A/N: THAT'S IT I'M DONE WITH MY FRIDAY UPDATE SCHEDULE *throws schedule out window* I can't even attempt to stick to it anymore. That being said, I'll just update when I can. I'll try not to keep you all waiting for too long :)
Reviews:
Twintowers123- You're welcome! And yeah! For awhile I thought I was the only one!
Lyra Heartstrings or Tuquorise- Thanks, but long chapters kinda freak me out. If I read or write a really long one, it just feels like too much to deal with in one chapter :P You should write a SidXHolley story! I'd definitely read it!
Captain Jamie Tiberia Kirk- I want to celebrate that I punched Finn in the face, but I'm afraid all the Finn fangirls are gonna come after me with torches and pitchforks... Eh, my army of Siddeley fangirls and I can handle them. I am the queen of Siddeley fangirls ;)
Guest (Unnamed Member)- Don't worry, this chapter's longer. And actually, that was going to be the original ending for this, but it was too predictable, so I changed it. I hope the new plot isn't too predictable.
Dark Magix- OMG YOU'RE WRITING A SIDXHOLLEY STORY TOO?! Or are you talking about the CeliaXRandall one? If it's SxH I really want to read it! And if you set my Siddeley on fire, I'll set you on fire. Lol I'm kidding, but seriously, nobody sets my precious on fire XD
rhapsody-of-dreams- Well, I just normally don't get compliments like that, and I certainly wasn't expecting it, so I was really happy :) Are you referring to his personality changes in this story or all his personalities in different stories? I noticed that in mine, he was losing his dry humor, but he'll get it back.
StacyMcMissile- I know, right?! He needs to reevaluate his priorities! Btw, I'm still grieving for Siddeley in your Stalker Sid story. And it really sucks because I read that death scene, and then I had to go and write... um, you'll find out in this chapter XD
Queen99- Thanks. And of course I'll continue, this story's going all the way to the end!
Big Fan of Lightning Mcqueen95- Thank you. But you should know by now how much I fail at the "update soon" part XD You'll be seeing more of Jana!
Jaell- No problem dude, the next chapter's right here! ^^ but you're not gonna find out what Finn said that easily. I'm saving that for later *trollface*
OH MY GOD SIDDELEY X HOLLEY SHIPPERS EXIST WE WERE ALL JUST IN HIDING THE WHOLE TIME WOOHOOOOO THIS IS AMAZING!
Well, here you go. A long chapter, just like you wanted. It's over 2,500 words long, not including the author's notes, so don't complain about it being short! *throws it at you and flies away*
Okay, I'll continue my boring pointless talking down in the bottom A/N, so here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 10- Meanwhile with CHROME
Vacations were not something Finn experienced often.
He wasn't obsessed with his job, or anything like that. His friends teased him and called him a workaholic, but it wasn't true. Finn simply found vacations unnecessary. Why do nothing when you could get something productive done? It just didn't seem worth it. He knew it was good to take breaks occasionally, but not when it was unneeded. To his dismay, his bosses thought otherwise.
It had been two weeks since banquet night, and it was becoming apparent that something was wrong with Finn. People noticed the fake charm, the fake smiles, the plastic mannequin that seemed to have taken over their beloved coworker. But that wasn't it; the problem was that Finn could've fooled all of them if he tried. The man was a master spy- of course he could act. However, it was clear Finn had lost all effort. He didn't try to hide his pain. He didn't put on a performance of being okay for everyone else.
Finn always thought he was the better actor. Now he realized that title belonged to Siddeley.
Finn was to go to Manchester for a week to rest and recover. The bosses thought it would be best for Leland to go with him, since the two were close and had known each other for a long time. With some very professional convincing and persuasion (it was really just begging), Stephenson managed to talk those in charge into allowing him to accompany his friends on their mission. His reason was the same: Finn had been a bit down since Siddeley left, so it would help him to be surrounded by friends. The bosses, with their endless adoration for Finn, easily gave in.
Once packing, the three piled into Finn's Aston Martin and headed off toward Manchester. Since it was a three and a half hour drive, the spies had to pass the time in various ways. Leland got out his pen and notebook and wrote stories. In the backseat, Stephenson alternated between sleeping and reading a book. Since it was his car, Finn was driving. Minute by boring minute, three and a half hours slowly dragged by. Leland finally spoke up.
"I'm bored enough to sing road trip songs," he said.
Stephenson glared at him. "Don't even start."
"Fine," said Leland, looking away. Thinking no one could hear him, he added quietly, "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
"That's a nursery rhyme. And we're in a car."
"Close enough!" Leland laughed.
Stephenson put down the book he'd been reading and glanced over at Finn. "Pardon the fact that I'll sound like a child when I say this, but are we there yet?"
"Almost," Finn responded.
Satisfied with the answer, Stephenson leaned back into his seat and continued reading. Leland piped up a few minutes later. "Hey, look. I think I've seen that before."
Stephenson turned his head to look out the window. Finn, not wanting to take his eyes off the road, allowed himself only a small peek to the side. Both saw that what Leland was pointing to was a small park. There was a multicolored playground, complete with slides and a swing set. A green field spread out behind it, surrounded by an outline of tall trees. Young children played happily on the playground; the older ones ran through the grass. Under the shade of the trees was a family having a picnic. Straight through the whole thing was an extensive, winding pavement, along which an old couple walked.
"It does look familiar," said Stephenson.
"It should be," Finn replied, returning his gaze to the road. "We played there when we were kids, remember?"
Leland's eyes widened and he grinned. "Of course! We went there all the time! Before we all eventually moved to London for CHROME."
"Huh. Good times," Stephenson said with a small smile, and settled back into his book.
Finn kept quiet. Just two weeks ago, he would've suggested going to the park for the sake of nice memories, but he continued driving. The past wouldn't welcome him anymore.
It would haunt him.
The cold of the air-conditioning bit at the three spies as they walked into a hotel's lobby. Leland immediately went to the front desk to check in. Finn and Stephenson sat on a nearby couch, and once setting his bag down, Stephenson joined the red-haired spy at the desk. Since there were three of them, the men agreed that Finn and Leland would room together and Stephenson would be next to them in an adjoining room. Normally, a certain dry-humored pilot would share a room with the older agent, but it was privately discussed between Leland and Stephenson that Finn should have someone with him.
Once checking in had been taken care of, the three made their way to the rooms after a short elevator ride. Stephenson handed his bag to Leland and took off down the hallway, turning his head from side to side to check each room's number. Near the end of the hall, he slowed and gestured toward the door he was stopped at. He took out his room key and entered. Eventually, Finn and Leland made it there. Finn slid his room key into the next door and pushed it open. They stepped inside, slowly taking in the scenery.
"This place is quite nice," Leland commented, running a hand over the soft sheets of the bed.
On the other side of the room, Finn pulled a string and made the window shades open. He looked through the glass, showing a beautiful view of Manchester.
Leland walked over to a door in the middle of the wall. "Hm, this must be how we get into Stephenson's roo-" He was cut off by the door suddenly slamming into his face. "Ack!"
Stephenson stuck his head through the opening. "Hi, Finn! This door in the wall is so cool! I can walk right into your room! Hey, where's Leland?"
Finn stared slightly wide-eyed at his friend. He raised a hand and pointed. Confused, Stephenson stepped fully into the other room and slowly closed the door. "Oh! Uh, sorry, Le..."
Leland's face was red and he was rubbing his nose. He winced in pain. "I hate you."
"Hey, be glad that's only happened to you once," Stephenson said, stifling a laugh and trying to hide his amused smile.
"Yeah, normally that just happens to Sid," Leland replied.
The room went dead silent once Siddeley was mentioned. Finn averted his eyes in shame. Leland immediately glanced toward Stephenson, but he shrugged helplessly.
"I'm sorry, Finn. You know how little control I have over my mouth..." Leland trailed off, awkwardly scratching his neck.
Finn shook his head dismissively. "It's fine."
"Right, well, what should we do now?" Stephenson asked, trying to change the subject.
Finn replied slowly. "I don't have anything planned. If you want, you two can go check out the town, since we haven't been here for some time. I think I'll take a nap until dinner."
Leland and Stephenson looked toward each other again, silently agreeing that Finn should be left alone awhile. "Sure, sounds good," Leland said, grabbing his coat. "You'll be alright?"
"I'll be fine. Have fun," Finn said with a reassuring smile.
Once the others were gone, Finn took off his shoes and lay down on a bed. He closed his eyes and let himself slip from reality's grasp.
A menacing feeling of dread hung in the air. Finn stepped cautiously across the bridge, with Siddeley watching every move.
Could it really even be called a bridge? Bridges were passageways, designed to help someone over what they couldn't cross. This one looked like it was going to drop Finn to his death. Its ropes were thin and ripping apart. The wooden planks were chipping and broken, with splinters poking out like small traps. Below was a raging whitewater river. The current flew past like a runaway train. Anything that fell in would surely be lost forever. Rocks, some blunt and smooth, some jagged and sharp, raised their heads to watch anyone who dared cross the bridge. It was almost as if the rocks were grinning at the two agents.
Finn was now more than halfway across. He wanted Siddeley to shout, "Be careful!" or, "Almost there!" just for the sake of saying something, but he decided against it. He needed to concentrate. Suddenly, Finn paused. In front of him, the wooden planks seemed to be falling apart even more. Each plank groaned and whined in pain more than the previous. Finn tightened his grip on the rope, but even that was losing its strength.
He shook the worry away and kept walking. Finn could feel Siddeley's eyes on him, having told the pilot to wait on the riverbank until Finn was across. He hadn't trusted the rickety old bridge to hold two people at once. He was almost to the end now. Just a few more steps. Now two. Now one.
Safe!
Finn let out an audible sigh of relief as his shoe made contact with the ground. He was tempted to collapse on the dirt and kiss it, but he dismissed the thought. That was completely unprofessional. Besides, he had other things to worry about.
He turned around and focused his attention on Siddeley. Having two people on opposite sides of a river wasn't the best situation to be in when it came to communication, so Finn settled for nodding and making a "come here" motion with his hand. Siddeley seemed to understand, and after warily poking the nearest plank with his foot, inched onto the bridge. When Finn had to cross it, his heart was beating faster than normal, but he'd managed to keep himself under control. Now, the blood-pumping muscle was racing with a mind of its own.
Finn grew more and more anxious as the seconds ticked by. He noticed that the bridge was creaking and swaying more than before. Siddeley was taller and therefore weighed more, but the bridge was also weaker from having Finn's weight on it. Oh, how Finn wished he had his grappling hook. Any CHROME gadget, really. He'd even be glad to have an earpiece, so he could hear Siddeley muttering and making sarcastic comments. Anything was better than standing in place and watching his friend make it across the dangerous death trap alone.
Siddeley placed another foot down on the bridge, and then another. He kept up the pattern of tapping his foot as a test and shuffling to each plank slowly. Somehow, it seemed to work for him.
He set a foot down again. This time, the wood made a sickening crack. The entire plank snapped and fell into the river. With nothing to rest on, Siddeley's foot followed. He gave a cry of surprise as his entire leg slipped through the hole. He snatched at the rope, barely saving himself. Finn's heart lurched as he watched the scene unfold. Some amount of time- it may have been a second, maybe a minute- passed. Everything would have been dead silent if not for the river.
Finn spoke. "Are you hurt?"
"Does having a heart attack count as being hurt?" Siddeley responded. "Because I think I'm about to have one."
The elder spy forced a chuckle. "You'll be fine, I promise. Just stand up, step over the hole, and keep walking."
"Just how do you expect me to do that? What do I look like to you, a gymnast?"
"Good Lord, no. I most definitely am not going to imagine you in tight clothes."
Siddeley pushed up with his other leg and slowly stood. With a bit of effort, he stepped over the gaping hole and soon had both feet on the next plank. He was close enough that Finn could see how much he was trembling. "I think I should go back."
"What? No!" Finn said. "You're almost here, keep going!"
Siddeley still looked unsure. "I've got you," Finn said softly.
After a moment, Siddeley nodded solemnly and reached forward with one arm. Sensing the silent ask for help, Finn stuck out his hand as well. Siddeley was now just a footstep away from Finn pulling him to safety.
But then the real nightmarish part happened. The plank snapped again, and Siddeley fell.
This time, it wasn't just his foot.
The pilot dropped into the river with a shriek. Finn launched himself forward in an attempt to catch his friend, but it was too late. He crouched on the riverbank, unable to do anything but watch Siddeley get tossed around in the water like a rag doll. He could tell the other agent was fighting as much as possible, but it wasn't enough.
Siddeley's head kept going under. A wave rose and lifted him up, as if returning him to the riverbank, only to drag him back down and slam the poor man into a rock. Finn choked when he saw a splash of blood. Siddeley went limp and stopped kicking. The waves pulled him under for the last time. Ice-cold water rushed past the rock, washing the blood away and erasing all evidence of the life it just claimed.
Finn lay still and silent on the riverbank, his fingers still outstretched.
"Finn? What on earth are you doing, mate?"
...Siddeley?
"Finn?"
Wait, that's not him.
"Finn, wake up!"
Finn's eyes shot open. In front of him was the annoyed face of Leland. The now wide-awake spy noticed that his hand was grasping Leland's shirt. With a quick apology, he let go.
"Great, now you've wrinkled it," Leland snorted, and got up to walk away.
"Sorry!" Finn called after him. Blimey, what is it with me having nightmares and waking up to find my friends angry with me? He wondered. First it was Siddeley... Finn saddened at the thought of his friend. He sighed quietly. I've got to get over this already.
"What time is it?" he asked, pulling himself up off the bed.
Leland didn't even need to look at a clock. "4:30 in the afternoon. You haven't slept very long."
"When-"
"Stephen and I got back about ten minutes ago," Leland said, silencing Finn. "I could tell you were having a nightmare but you might've hurt me if I woke you."
Finn nodded. "I'm going to go for a walk," he said. "I'll be back soon."
Leland apprehensively waved goodbye, and a few minutes later, Finn was out the door. He quickly descended to the lobby, then walked out through the nicely decorated doors. After a moment of contemplation, the spy remembered that the park was just a few streets away and set off in search of it.
Perhaps the past needed a visit.
A/N: Hey look, I'm back with more pointless talking! :D
Finn's nightmare scene wasn't just a nightmare; I tried to make it as symbolic of the story as possible, but I'm not sure how well I did. I hope it made sense. On a side note, I think it's easier to write your favorite character's death scene than it is to read or watch it. I actually didn't mind killing Sid in this nightmare :P
By the way, I realized this is the second time in this story that the main characters are staying in a hotel! Finn must be so sick of it. And I don't know what the parks in Manchester are like *shrugs* I just made up my own. Sorry XD
This is irrelevant to the story, but ERMAGERD GOOGLE'S HOMEPAGE IS THE ELEVEN DOCTORS THANK YOU GOOGLE!
Thanks for reading, and reviews are always greatly appreciated.