Rock On

Drops of heated dew fell in quick succession over slim shoulders. Formed, though he was not completely built as other men in their outfit seemed, they were still muscled and strong, forearms scrunched over the back of his head whilst fingertips massaged. Citrus Lime and Ginseng. The scent coiled round in the heated humidity that drooled down the clear walls of the show stall, fogged by the heat, burning pale skin red. Finn hummed, pleased as the drops of rain drummed on to the rhythm of the small stereo playing in the background, tiny speakers squealing on over the thrum with a tune that had been all too catchy over the last few months that he couldn't help opening his mouth in the solitude of B.S.A.A.'s, S.O.U. Headquarter's locker room. Ceramic tiles squeaked under calloused, dirty feet in accordance as a small spin with arms raised. "My first love broke my heart for the first time! And I was like... Baby, baby, baby! Oh!" Such a stupid song to get stuck in his head, but after the last bit of leave that Alpha team was permitted Finn had finally had some off-time to see the parents, his sister. Younger. Penny was just a teenager, but Finn still felt bad about leaving from home to have him by himself without a brother to look out for him. But the family needed this, they wouldn't know all the real details, to that he just had to tell the truth and let them know it was confidential. He couldn't lie to mom and dad. Not with the bullshit that the B.S.A.A. came up with as cover stories for what they really did for a living. So instead, he told them he worked for a special task force branch of the government, alongside a team of first rate men working to save the world; AND! he couldn't talk about. Then Finn spent the rest of his remaining time catching up with Penny. That included this weird mix CD the little miss gave him as a departure gift. Another spin, "Like baby, baby, baby oooh! I thought you'd always be mine."

Water drained into the corners of his mouth from the faucet, gargling as a glob of spit hit the wall from the overload of liquids. Dancing in a circle, fingers gripped the nearest soap bar, bubbles foaming over pale skin while tucking the bar up under his pits. A nice soapy lather built up over his pectorals and abdominal muscles, working his way downward. Penny's face was all aglow when Finn first sat down with her and pondered over the lyrics to this silly song and tried learning it. He'd do anything for his sister. Even learn the lyrics to a goofy song, just to please her bright shining eye. The only thing it could possibly do of any consequence, was that it pleased the smaller version of himself. And Penny deserved that in a brother. The smile that she gave him was akin to what he imagined his own daughter might look like someday. If he were ever fortunate enough to have one. Anyway, it didn't matter. When he'd left on Sunday night and got on that plane, again, her big round eyes whilst hugging his leg begged him to take her gift in hopes that it would always be something they shared. A cute mix CD. People didn't use CD's anymore. They'd moved on, the 'in' crowds anyway. But if there was anything a Macauley knew how to do, it was to be part of the OUT crowd. He never fit in either, so the fact his sister wanted him to have a homemade CD rather than some digitized ear bud listening device with a thousand songs that meant nothing between them… He'd rather rock out to this. Or whatever hip kind of music they could come up with. All the better. This meant something to them personally. Hard day of training deserved some well-deserved relaxation and a good reminder as to why he did what he did. The constant stream of falling water, cleaned away the layer of suds worked up over dog-tired biceps and triceps. "And I'm like, Baby, baby, baby, oooh! Like baby, baby-

"Baby NO!"

Oh God… No was right. Laughter filtered in to the room; echoed by Andy Walker's tone deaf, sarcastic crooning; soap bar squirt out of trained grasping fingers, plopping to the ground with a noiseless squish. "Fuck a duck, Macauley! What is this Disney shit?! Are you serenading me? I graduated high school while you were still getting a handy from your mother after grade school. I mean, seriously?!" Three clicks and then the music was off except for three sets of heavy boot falls, thumping round the boom box. Stealing away the CD from its poised position in the player, flipping it between fingers like a spiral. That was while Finn struggled with his cowardice; slipping up on the cold stone beneath his feet, sending a chill up his spine, to remove his last remaining soap bubbles. "Did backstreet boy's girlfriend take a hike while we were on spring break or some shit? Before you even got to propose on your bony ass knee? Was it another man stickin' her with his pinky-sized sausage, and you caught 'em under your Star Wars sheets? Oh, oh, no! I've got it. You would've taken her back even after that. No, you're the loving, understannndding type, permanently stuck in the friend-zone like a damned shoulder to cry on. It would have to be something real nasty." With the last bubble gone, Finn grimaced, hearing the raucous laughter, while the others shared disgusting stories about what it was that his girl was probably back home doing, made louder when he shut off the jet stream. Yeah, some girl. There was only one particular thing he thought about when he had the spare time to even do that, and it wasn't about- "Leaned her over in the back alley and porked her double time!"

Faucet shut off, Finn sought out the comfort of his towel, since there was no thing as privacy in this day and age. Particularly not so, in the locker room of men with no morals. Throwing open the shower stall, bright red coverlet in hands, plush against his even brighter face. Fluffy cotton against his fleshy contours covered his shame at being trodden in upon, but it allowed for a role call that was immediately in play. Hiding himself behind long draping bath towels, though no one was interested in looking at the object of their ridicule. Andy Walker, hands on his CD, spinning it round like a top, dancing like his fourteen year old sister, only making it look like some perverted mock. Ben Airhart to his right, singing into a hairbrush like a cowboy yokel whilst peeling away his own layers of sweat soaked battle gear, starting at the top. And the third pair of footfalls had been? Oh God… "Why me…?" Finn's mumbling went unheard as his crew of emotion lacking duo went about singing versions of messed up lyrics, to get a rise. Trying to hide his embarrassment from the man who walked by them with a raised brow and turned down pouted lips; Finn gave a teensy wave of his free hand, the other wound up in his towel to hide more important parts. Why did it have to be Piers? Of all people it could have been: Captain Redfield, Marco Rose, any one of the trainees that gave him no respect; it had to be the one person that he actually gave a damn about seeing him listening to a teenage pop sensation. But shouldn't people like you for who you are? They shouldn't care if Finn's little sister was a Belieber. It was a craze, all the little girls liked him, and so, there wasn't a reason that he couldn't enjoy something like that with his sister. And Piers, he shouldn't care. He never cared, about anything but the mission, and what was to come next. So… this shouldn't be on the whole, completely embarrassing right?

"And all the girlies say I'm pretty fly for a white guy! He needs some cool tunes, not just any will suffice-

"Are you two..., singing The Offspring at Macauley?"

"Captain!" Finn's voice hitched and the room almost went quiet, apart from the silent snicker from the other side of the room, from Piers' fleeting back. Of course he found it amusing, even the rest of the team was staring in shock over the fact that stuffed shirt captain Redfield knew the name of the band they were chanting at the rookie. Quickly recovering, the towel found its way wrapped around Finn's slim waist, pleased to know at least one of their team mates had left the room for a little bit of peace. The captain, on the other hand merely stood, large mitts in fists, crossed over his massive chest like some imposing giant. "I was just finishing up. I'll go"

"It's fine rookie. Don't have to scamper off every time these goddamn idiots give you shit, stand your ground. First time someone walked in on me singing in the shower wasn't much different. Apart from the obvious being, I'm the motherfucking captain. Don't look so shocked kid, and hold up your towel. Hell, Walker here?" thumb over his shoulder at Andy, who froze instantly at the sound of his own name in any implication, like a mouse caught sneaking cheese, "was caught singing Ceelo Green. Something about some girl driving off with another man right?"

"It was, ah.. called, Fuck You, captain."

"No. It was called, if you ever say those goddamn words to me again, I'll play you with a riot shotgun. You are completely tone deaf, Walker, and to my recollection, sang the music parts and forgot most the lyrics. Who forgets the three goddamn words in that chorus? And another thing..., why do all of you stupid shits listen to the worst garbage on the planet? Have none of you listened to real music in your entire lives?" Finn tried not to snicker over the strange automated defense the captain had for him. It was always nice having someone stick up for you, and someone to remind the remainder of your team that they were once in the same position as the rookie explosive's expert. It wasn't like he man had to say anything or speak up for him, or that it was completely helpful at times; but it was still a nice sentiment. A thud of a combat boot to the ground as Airhart moved on to stripping off his socks, without embarrassment of who saw the junk he sported, and Finn was off. He was hiding a faded bit of blush; a result of the hero worship he felt for the man that seemed completely flawless. Redfield, not Airhart. It was so wrong that one person should seem so great, but Captain Redfield really was the kind of guy you could always depend on. "Oh and then there was Rose's cowboy days. Didn't he stroll through here once singing, Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy? This is the S.O.U., not the goddamned Village People." A round of laughter went up, and the remaining tension melted away. Mental tension that was, because the physical tension of being a homosexual male in a shower room full of striping men.., that was mounting quickly. You haven't seen triceps until you've seen Chris Redfield's, and that's if you could see passed the nose bleed worthy pectoral muscles he sported like none other. Or the mountainous shoulders. It was easy to see why Ms. Valentine always seemed so pleased with herself whenever they were near. With his captain and the rest of their team seemingly delved into a conversation that went into perimeters of their sexual conquests in song, yet again, Finn felt it time to remove himself from the equation.

Sneaking out in the midst of conversation, no one noticed as Finn slunk away to his locker. Lurching metal coming open, he immediately was at jerking on a navy blue button up, one arm after the other. It clung to his still damp skin, darkening in the junctions of his elbows from the excessive drops of unclaimed water; and about his collar, and hair line, drops falling on the fabric sucked up in the fibers. Lining up the opposing sides of his shirt, each cream colored button found its slot, one at a time until they lined halfway up, stopping at the realization that he'd forgotten an undershirt. Working back down until his shirt hung open, and flung the sleeves off, which shed like cobra's skin, he went in search of the nice white undershirt his mom had bought him Saturday afternoon. She liked getting him things, even though they didn't have much. Her 'valiant boy…' Searching in the quiet, hearing laughter from the other room, he clinked about inside the confines of his locker, searching in vain for the new shirt, and then his duffel. Pleased, he yoinked it free with a victorious snatch, hoisting the shirt on high. Grasped in a tight fist, a pleased grin worked on his features, tugging the shirt over his head and adjusting properly, noting how it fit him with perfect precision. His mom with her always sharp eye for dressing her kids. Thankfully, the residue from his first encounter with donning wet clothing was no longer present thanks to the constant on and off of fabrics, so his shirt went on with relative ease. As did the button up.

Towel still about his waist, Finn gripped his brush from the duffel of things yet unpacked from his voyage home, and went on to the mirror. All a matter of getting some of the damp out and the style in. That was until he played I SPY with himself in the mirror while beginning his after training ritual, and noticed the young commanding officer there with him. Clearly Piers hadn't taken notice, or cared to notice Finn's presence, nothing new. Here they were together, Finn in nothing on his lowers but a towel, brushing out his hair with a bristle brush that almost dropped upon the realization they were here together. His nice shirt clashing with his red towel. Assistant Team Leader Nivans on the same hand, dressed in half his gear. Fatigues that never hugged hips tight enough, just barely held in place with the aid of several customized riggings that always snugly made their home around Piers' taut muscled thighs. Except apart from his boots, lower half being covered, and the ever present scarf, there was nothing on him. Was it ever possible to be more uncomfortable, than staring at your team's ace sniper, through a mirror, with his back turned to you so you could see all the fine contours of his muscled back? The drag of brush through locks slowed, bright eyes glued to the glass reflection of toned arms, down his forearms, to diligent fingers, built for a trigger. Those same fingers that ran carelessly through short tawny strands, rubbing over the nape of his neck until they caught into the fabric always wrapped pleasantly about the hidden flesh of his throat. He always moved rhythmically, but Piers Nivans had all but stopped in time, and for a moment Finn thought he'd been noticed. Somehow. In the field Piers always seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, always knew when to turn around and chide someone. Wasting time, breaking ranks, poor marksmanship, overall lolly gagging, and now for staring at the sniper's very athletic build and backside. He was so dead. The urge to look away overwhelmed him, but in the situation, nothing was done or said; and the soldier had continued his path of fingering the scarf with one hand, and the other cupping his hip. Was he really going to take that off? With Finn standing right there? It was a locker room. Piers had to change somewhere, but the scarf was always in place. Gulping down a glob of saliva thick in his throat, Finn couldn't help but look around them as pensive fingers clutched. His towel felt uncomfortable suddenly at the idea o seeing the forbidden flesh, and the relizations that he'd never actually seen Piers without at least one layer of clothing covering his body. It made him felt dirty, but it didn't matter, chewing the inside of his cheek. Anticipation made his breathing hitch. His team would think this was so stupid, and sick; it kind of was. He was being a voyeur on the off chance of seeing a sported body like that with a scarf? Screw them. Please, please take it-

"-With the girl I love and I'm like, fuck youuuu! HAHahahahaa!"

Fucking hell. Piercing hazel eyes shot over lean shoulders, taking in just what Finn saw as the rest of the team lumbered in. All half naked, soaking wet, and singing… what? There was laughter, of course it was good, great right? The team should bond.., just not when he's being a perverted shit. Glancing back into the mirror, hoping not to come face to face with his surveyed assistant leader, Finn's shoulders with slack. Gone. How did he do that? So close. Covering his blush, Finn took three quick swipes of his hair brush, hurried back to his locker that was always constantly tampered with by those who scampered in. Andy was always peeking in. Like that time over the calendar he kept inside. He didn't want to explain this week's new excursion, or anything else. Just needed to go. Really needed to go, once he realized there was only a towel hiding his shame at staring at his co-captain, and prying eyes. Of course the interruption had cleared up that growing 'apprehension.' Hard to keep your focus when there were four guys all singing together in a mutant chorus of tone deafness. He wasn't as good as Piers was at it, but hopefully he could ghost out of here and...

"Okay, best music moments of all time at the B.S.A.A.?"

"That would be Valentine singing Barbie girl, her first night at the range! And don't say that didn't happen capt'n! Hahaha!"

Chris chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "I may or may not be able to confirm that."

Snugly apply a midnight blue shirt over those broad pecs, Finn hurried his movements. Just pants. Well, briefs first, the pants. It was fun hearing all about this, but Finn never was really part of it. "I don't know captain. Macauley Culkin here made it kind to easy for me, seeing as he's got Bieber Fever. Never seen a man that pussy whipped in all my life. Come on, Finn, what honey did you learn that tune for? Tell me you got something for it! At least a blumpkin!" Hauling his shirts up at the bottom, Finn gave his glide stick deodorant a run over each armpit before throwing it back in his locker. He shouldn't be so pissed, but that was his sister they were talking about. "Oh! Hell, and nothing, NOTHING will ever beat doing dragon shots with Marco while Delta team did the Y.M.C.A. dance!" At least they were off the subject again. And most were quick dressers. Chris was quicker than the others, considering his size, but he was already half way out the door as Finn put his first leg through his briefs. "Leaving already cap? I'm just getting started. Have you seen Clive do the Bird?! Fuckin' riot!-" The door shuttered shut behind the captain with a wave. It was true that Captain Redfield only enjoyed having fun for so long before he'd drag himself back to his paperwork like the great man he was. Finn respected that. But it did mean he needed to dress quicker. With the captain gone that left Ben and Andy to continue this conversation with the addition of Marco. And that boded ill for all. "Hey Rose! Did you know that Finn sings just like a-

"Where's my CD, Walker?"

"Awwww, rookie wants his kidz bop back?"

There was a roll of laughter, but Finn cut him off for the first time. This wasn't a joke, and that was a gift from his sister. To hell with manners if no one was going to respect each other's personal effects. Finn might have been a class A coward in front of his team mates, or when it came to sticking up for himself, but when it came down to defending his sister, he'd do anything. Too important. some things were too important for him to let a moment pass by and this was too important. He hadn't even gotten to listen to the whole thing. "Where, Walker? And I swear if there's a scratch on it-

"-You'll do what rookie?" A dead silence came over the room, the swing of locker doors clanking shut behind the weight of rough palms. All eyes directed at Finn. Fear climbed up inside the rookie's chest, seizing his heart in it's fist while he was given the coldest glare from all those involved. "That's right, greenhorn..., you'll do jack shit. Don't start that lily-livered bullshit with me, because trust me, you won't be getting back up. You'll opt out and run home to mommy for the shit I'd do to you, and then you'd cry like a bitch taking it up the ass the first time. Because that's what you are. Open your mouth again, I'll put your sparkly teeth right through the backside of your skull. Understand, Macauley? If you ever so much as open that bitchy little shit-stained mouth of yours again..." Knuckles cracked, and Maro's chuckle could be heard over the creaky swing of metal on their hinges as all eyes fell on Finn. His mouth quivering once as it drew shut. God why was he such a coward? Why couldn't he be blessed with courage like his sister really thought he had. Instead he was acting like he had only five years ago in the locker room in his high school, hiding from the jocks. Damn it. "Good boy. Now run along home before I brand your face with my fucking fist! Got it?" Finn was gone in just those few seconds, ignoring the laughter issued from behind at his expense.

Adjusting his clothing properly now that he was free, Finn took in a deep breath. It was gone... great. His one thing he had from his sister since she was able to understand why he left and here he was getting it snatched up by the big bad wolf. This was all dumb. Finn never belonged. How long was he going to have to be the rookie until someone else took the term, or maybe he'd be considered to have earned his place. He was such a wuss for walking away, but gosh darn it all if there wasn't a single person he knew who was more intimidating than Andy Walker with his crew of Larry and Curly. Maybe.. maybe if he talked with the captain? If he filed a complaint? But if he did that they might remove him from Alpha team and all Finn really wanted was to serve his country. But he could talk to captain Redfield, that he could do. Nodding with renewed resolve, Finn started his trek toward the captain's office, wishing in the back of his mind that maybe he could have been like everyone else instead of like this and been in on all the private jokes. It would have been so great to be part of them instead of an outsider who wasn't allowed to laugh without getting laughed at. For the heck of it, maybe he'd even ask the captain what kind of music he liked. Just so he could get to know the man better, since it seemed everyone else got to have a party. He'd like that. Yeah. And maybe he'd tell him that about his sister too, and he could share his own something personal with someone. Captain Redfield was always helping him with something important, only fitting they become more familiar. YEAH!

"You remember the first time I caught you singing?" Finn's hand stopped on the door handle of the office, peering at the hard wood as he distinctly caught the deep baritone of the captain, clearly carrying on the earlier conversation with? "You didn't even realize I was there. Just lost in your own little world because of those headphones you had on. I grilled you about it for an hour earlier that day and there you were pulling a strip tease for no one in particular. Gotta say, I miss those days. When you were cut loose." Finn smiled slightly to himself, dropping his hand from the shiny knob, taking a sigh. Probably Jill from the tone the captain sported. He always had a smooth tone when he talked to Jill, like his mouth was full of honey. There was quiet for a long while, Finn sighing. He didn't want to interrupt something, particularly not his captain's something, but he did need to talk, and the longer he waited wouldn't it get more uncomfortable?

TapTap

"Yea, come on in." No malice... that meant it was okay right? Turning he knob with a ginger twist, Finn winced rolling his shoulders before pushing the door the rest of the way, eyes locked and brows jumping halfway up his forehead at the site of combat boots rather than high heels, and fatigues over the usual bright blue mini skirt. Piers? He'd been talking... to Piers. Finn was still adjusting to the sight, though the captain was giving him an amused lopsided grin at his prolonged and uncomfortable gawking at the sniper soldier who's back was still to him. Heart pitter pattering in his chest, Finn attempted a word, only to have it cut off when the captain leaned forward from his perched weight against the desk at his hips, to grab the front side of Piers' mesh fabric scarf and gave in a jerk. Like he could have heard inn's thoughts at seeing how out of place it was, and the potential of seeing skin was making his skin flush after the episode in the locker room. He couldn't hear those thoughts... right?! Nervousness ticked in, particularly at the sound of musical tenor hum that filled the air at the adjustment, not pulling away. "What can I do you for Macauley? Thought you'd be homeward bound by now." Chris hadn't let go of the material, was just rubbing his thumb on it, the two of them not looking at each other, just Chris glancing at the rookie over Piers' lithe shoulder and the soldier with his head cast down silently. It was like a weird black and white without words and no one was suppose to say anything but stumble through the acts. They were on pause. Except they weren't. Finn was gawking, Chris was smiling and putting weight on grey tan fabric about Piers' neck. It was clear as day...

The captain knew. Probably since that day in the chopper or when he'd begged him to teach him to talk to Piers. He knew Finn liked Piers and he... thought it was funny? Or maybe he thought it was cute? Or sick...? No, not sick, Chris was giving him that knowing smile with a single raised brow and scruff covered jaw. It was just a declaration, he knew. Did that mean Piers knew too? They shared everything. They were partners after all and if someone gross rookie was crushing on his partner he might be forced to tell too, but Piers' wasn't moving either, just held there by the single one handed testament to how at ease he was with Chris. This was it..., he was going to be kicked out of Alpha team, and the military for the rest of his life. They'd all label him a freak and call him sick. Like he had some kind of incurable disease and they were all going to be infected. "Macauley!"

"Huh?!" That came out way too loud. "Uh, yes sir, I uh...," Please don't know. Chris' calloused fingers finally unwoven from their location, giving a minor tug of the folds back into place before leaning all his weight on palms and ass against the desk. It made the sniper shake his head, turning to drop into the 'guest' chair across from Chris' desk, pulling one foot up on the arm of it so he could rest his bent elbow on a knee. Nothing, no recognition, nothing of difference. So.. he hadn't told. Relief washed fresh over Finn's features, along with a slump of shoulders that had been locked in a chronic tensed position. "I just wanted to make a report... I know, I shouldn't.. its just, the guys-

"-Oh, right. Your CD. I grabbed it off Walker after you bolted, rookie." Chris lurched off the desk, reaching into his desk and snatching up the tiny disk in his great mitt, handing it over without once touching the shimmering matter. "Don't sweat it, kid. We all have our vices. Just because my music taste happens to be stuck in the 80's doesn't mean you guys have to be. Nivans is a rapaholic. Should hear some of the shit I've caught him singing. A lot more embarrassing then Justin Bieber, I'd say." Piers shrugged up his shoulders at the mention of his own, or how it made Finn smile to hear anything reassuring, taking the disk up in his hand palm. "I was just talking with him about that, actually." A grin widened on Chris' lips, one that reflected the complete opposite of the sniper in the chair, rolling his eyes as a bit of discomfort, that caused him to shift in the seat. Except the captain didn't share the remaining part of that conversation, rather he just shared a knowing smile at Finn who was immediately reminded. He knew. Giving a nod, Finn pocketed the disk, looking once more at the pair before heading off toward the door. "I'll keep an eye out for you tomorrow, kid." Hurry to spin toward the portal to safety, Finn found himself in a vice grip hold on his shoulder, his face flushed immediately as the blood rose to his face, the.. the captain of the S.O.U., his captain, not only gave him back his little sister's CD that had deep sentimental value, but he would be looking for him! Tipping his head to find the sniper there, hazel eyes piercing him like a knife to the gut. Chris already in his desk fighting a chortle over how startled Finn seemed to get at each contact with Piers, physical or mental.

"I..I...I uh-

"Move."

The sniper rolled his eyes, jerking passed him and immediately down the hall. Right... just wanted him to move. Taking a deep breath, Finn glanced one more over his shoulder at the captain, arms propped behind his head. "Don't worry about it, Macauley. He'll warm up to you..., they all will. Just give it time. Besides. You gotta be the one to organize an S.O.U. wide karaoke night. Heh."