Cleaning Up After Disaster

"Oh my god," Finn moaned, staring at Oliver with wide eyes.

"Ehm, it's fine," he said, staring down at his now ruined shirt. Finn started gagging again, but Katie rushed over and helped her to the bathroom, getting her to the toilet just in time. She held back her hair as the poor woman continued to empty her stomach contents, gently patting her back.

She glanced over her shoulder, seeing a concerned Oliver standing in the door, though not getting too close.

"God, I have done this since uni," Finn wailed, leaning her forehead on the toilet after she finished. "So embarrassing."

"It's okay," Katie said, rubbing her back. "Feel better?"

"I think I'm done," Finn said, sitting up and looking over at her with a woebegone expression.

"Let's get you cleaned up and then you should lie down for a bit," Katie said soothingly. Finn nodded and allowed her to help her up off the floor and then over to the sink where she rinsed out her mouth and then threw water on her face. "This way."

They stepped out into the hallway in time to see Oliver stepping out of his room as he slid his wand into his back pocket, his shirt magically clean. Katie shot him an exasperated look that he ignored. What had she said about no magic in front of Finn?

"You can put her in here," he said, stepping over to Finn's other side and wrapping his arm around her, taking most of her weight from Katie. Thankfully, Finn was too drunk to notice that his clothes were no longer covered in sick.

"This is so embarrassing," Finn whined.

"It's fine, truly," Oliver said as they helped her in and onto the bed. Finn rolled over and curled up.

"Room's spinnin'," Finn slurred. The two stepped back out into the hallway, though left the door open in case she needed something.

"I should get her home," Katie said with a frown. Oliver looked over, taking in Finn's state. She was in no condition to move at the moment and there was always the chance that she'd vomit in the cab.

"I can help, though… I don't think you should take a cab," he said. "I can help apparate her there since she looks like she's about to pass out." Katie nodded.

"I just wanted her to have fun tonight," she said softly. Oliver turned to look at her, smiling slightly.

"I think she did," he replied. "You're a good friend, Kates." Katie smiled softly and looked back at Finn. "Really, it's not the first time someone's retched on me."

"She's going to be so pissed about that tomorrow," Katie said. "Think she fancies you a bit." Oliver chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Hadn't noticed," he replied. Katie just laughed softly and shook her head. It was just like him - she was fairly sure the entire party had noticed that Finn was attracted to him. Just as she had noticed his attraction to her.

"We'll wait until she's asleep and then we'll take her home," she replied. Oliver nodded.

Not long after, Oliver carried a snoring Finn into her room, Katie just behind him. She quickly ran over and pulled down the comforter as Oliver laid her down and then tucked her in. Katie couldn't help but look around the room. It was airy and very much Finn, though she couldn't help but chuckle at the piles of clothing strung about.

The two then quickly made their way out of the bedroom with Katie shutting the door behind her.

"Thanks for this," Katie said, looking at Oliver.

"Don't mention it," Oliver replied with a smile. "Couldn't very well leave you two to fend for yourselves. What kind of Gryffindor would I be?" Katie chuckled as she started for the kitchen, intending to get a bottle of water for herself and possibly for Oliver if he wanted to stick around.

When she turned to ask him, she found him staring at Finn's door with a soft expression on his face. Well, that was interesting.

"You want some water?" she asked. Oliver started a bit and turned to look at her.

"I'm fine. Should get back before my flat is destroyed," he said. Katie nodded and walked over, hugging him.

"Again, thanks," she said.

"Again - don't mention it," he said with a chuckle. He then pulled out his wand and disappeared with a pop. Sighing, Katie went and pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and then went to her room.

She was going to need plenty of rest if she was going to deal with a very hungover Finn tomorrow.

Finn groaned as the sunlight pouring through her window hit her eyes and caused the pounding in her head to intensify. She rolled over to face her bathroom, burrowing deeper into the comforter. She then opened her eyes, noticing that she was in her room. How did she get here? Oh, god, she had blacked out at the party, hadn't she?

Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ceiling as she tried to piece together what had happened. She remembered lying on a bed. But not her bed. It smelled good, that she remembered. Then hearing voices in the hallway. Something about operate? No, that was strange.

She went through her memories of the party. The large, fancy-looking flat. Meeting Katie's friends. The moving photograph. Then Oliver.

Finn gasped as she shot up in the bed, then grimaced as her head pounded.

Fucking hell. She had thrown up all over Katie's hot best friend. Just after he had asked her out. There was no way he'd go out with her now. Finn fell back on her bed, wondering if she could just stay there for the rest of her life. She couldn't face Katie after last night. There was no way she'd take her around her friends anymore. Not that she wanted to face any of them again after the embarrassment of throwing up at the party. Or what she said. What had she said? Katie must have had to help her home. She would need to make it up to her.

Sighing, Finn pulled herself out of her bed, going to her dresser and pulling out some clean pajamas. She then made for her bathroom, thinking a shower might help her. Once she was cleaned and dressed, she stepped out of her room, stopping when she found Katie sitting on the sofa, a mug of tea in her hand.

"Sleeping Beauty awakes," she said lightly, turning the volume on the TV down. "Started some coffee for you. And there's Tylenol and water on the counter."

"More like Barfing Beauty. And thanks," Finn said as she shuffled into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a mug of coffee and walked over, plopping down next to Katie. "I'm so, so, so sorry."

"It's fine," Katie said reassuringly. "If it helps, only myself and Oliver were there when it happened. Plus, we've all been there. I distinctly remember losing my stomach in a bin during a celebration party in my dorm in front of everyone."

"Yes, but you were in school. You're supposed to do that in school. Not as a fully grown, should be functioning adult," Finn lamented. "And especially not all over a hot guy."

"For what it's worth, Oliver said it wasn't the first time a girl has thrown up on him," Katie replied. Finn just grimaced.

"He actually asked me out before that," she said.

"He did?" Katie asked in surprise.

"Yea, but I don't think he'll want to follow up on it now," Finn said, rolling her eyes. "Didn't even get his number…"

"He helped me get you home last night," Katie said, though a weird feeling entered her stomach. While she was happy to see Oliver and Finn show some interest in each other, she wasn't sure it was a good idea. Finn couldn't know about magic. Oliver didn't have as much experience around muggles and hiding magic. Not to mention, if the secret came out, then Finn would know that she had been lying to her and that wouldn't go over very well. Katie frowned slightly. They'd have to handle this carefully.

"Shit. He really is a good guy. And I totally just ruined it," Finn groaned, dropping her head back on the sofa. Katie chuckled.

"It'll be fine," she said, patting Finn on the leg. "You remember having fun?" Finn sighed and nodded.

"It was a lot of fun… before that," she said. "Your friends are really cool. I like them."

"Good, they like you as well," Katie replied. Finn smiled. She turned her attention to the TV when there was a knock at the door. She frowned as she looked at the door and then back at Katie.

"You expecting someone?" she asked. Katie shook her head and stood to go answer it. "Oh god, I hope it's not Oliver." Despite being hungover, she was off the sofa and halfway to her bedroom before Katie had even opened the door. She couldn't help but laugh softly as she pulled it open and then froze. Standing there was a tall, extremely good-looking man with blonde hair. His eyebrows rose in surprise when he saw Katie standing there in her pajamas.

"Taylor? What are you doing here?" Finn asked, starting towards the door. He looked over at her, smiling as he held up a paper bag.

"You drunk texted me last night. Figured I'd come help out poor Katie here by taking care of you," he said. Katie stepped back as he walked into the flat. This was Taylor? For some reason, she was expecting a woman. He walked over to the table and opened the bag, pulling out Gatorade and a few food containers. Finn sniffed at the air and walked over as Katie shut the door.

"You got me kimchi chigae?" Finn asked, stepping up to Taylor's side with a grin.

"From that Korean place you love," Taylor added. Finn squealed and then grimaced grabbing her head. Katie chuckled at her while walking back over to the sofa to sit down and observe. She had been planning to slip a hangover tonic into Finn's drink at some point, but figured it was best done after she had already tried a few of her normal tactics. She wasn't sure where that fell within the rules, but if she only put a few drops, it should help and wouldn't end up hurting her, though she was muggle.

"If only we were compatible, I would have married you years ago," Finn said as she sat down and popped the lids off a couple containers. Taylor laughed at her again and then looked over at Katie.

"Apologies. Finn tends to forget her manners when she's hungover, but there's no excuse for me. Taylor Carter," he said, walking over with his hand out.

"Katie Bell," she replied, shaking his hand. She looked over at Finn who had her mouth too full to reply, though managed a disgruntled grunt in Taylor's direction. The man in question just winked at her and then made himself comfortable in an armchair.

"Finn tells me you work in football," he said casually.

"Yea, I work with the medic team," Katie said, thanking Merlin that she had already taken a decent dose of the tonic and was clear headed enough to remember to use muggle terms for things.

"Which team? Not a fan, by any means, but I watch from time to time," he replied. Katie's eyes widened as she struggled to come up with a way to respond. Finn didn't know any of the team names, but she worried that she'd be found out if Taylor did actually watch the sport.

Thankfully, Finn snorted, getting both of their attention.

"Don't listen to him. He wouldn't know a football from a volleyball, even if it hit him in the head," she called out. Taylor scowled playfully at her.

"I might know something. I do have a life outside of taking care of your sorry arse," he retorted. Finn just shook her head and chuckled.

"Stop playing 20 questions with my new roommate," Finn warned.

"Maybe I'm just trying to make friends since I'm likely to see her a lot," he then replied, causing Katie to blush slightly at the implication.

"Do I have to remind you that you don't live here again?" Finn asked. "Nor do I need a baby-sitter."

"Just when you go out and get pissed," Taylor said.

"Which is not that often," Finn shot back.

"Right, you mostly get pissed here."

"You're usually getting pissed with me and then crash on the sofa."

"Because heaven knows you can't drag yourself out to get food when you're hungover," Taylor quipped. He turned back to Katie. "Seriously, it's as though she reverts to infanthood sometimes."

"Do not!" Finn shouted, though she was grinning. Katie had to laugh at the two. It seemed they had a similar relationship as her and Oliver.

"And it's only getting worse. At least you managed to get to class on time back then," Taylor then said, looking back at Finn. "Though you were always crashing at mine."

"Because you were the one always dragging me out to parties," Finn said. "And feeding me shots. It was your punishment. You do the crime, you do the time."

"Is it always like this with you two?" Katie found herself asking, thoroughly amused. Though she couldn't help but think she wouldn't mind if Taylor were hanging about the flat often. He was certainly nice to look at.

No, Katie, she warned herself. It's only been a few months. She wasn't ready to think about any bloke in that way. Certainly not her muggle flatmate's muggle best friend.

"Usually," Taylor said with a sigh. "Threw everyone off in university. They all thought we were dating."

"We did try dating, but that failed spectacularly," Finn added.

"Not too spectacularly. We ended up best friends afterwards," Taylor said, looking over at her with a playful frown.

"Because you didn't cheat on me. We just… didn't work like that. Plus the whole no chemistry thing," Finn said, waving her hand in the air before shoveling more of the spicy stew into her mouth. Taylor turned back to Katie, still smiling.

"Hopefully you've seen more of the better side of Finn this last week," he quipped.

"Oh, she's been wonderful. Actually helped me out a bit that first night. I wouldn't have furniture without her," Katie said. Taylor seemed mildly impressed with that statement as he glanced back at Finn who flipped him off while grinning smugly. "And well, was having a bit of rough day and she cheered me up immensely."

"See, I am good for something," Finn shot at Taylor.

"Well, she certainly is good at that from time to time," he admitted. "Though any reason for last night?" He cocked an eyebrow as he looked back at Finn who paused in her eating and swallowed.

"Guess who's engaged," she said dryly. Immediately, a look of concern filled Taylor's face.

"Bloody hell, that bastard came and told you that?" he asked, suddenly rather angry.

"No. We ran into him at the store. He's back. And apparently living somewhere in this neighborhood," Finn said, looking down at her stew, suddenly no longer feeling hungry. She pushed it aside and reached for the Gatorade. "Couldn't even be bothered to live somewhere else."

"I took her out to my mate's party, thinking it might cheer her up a bit," Katie interjected, worried that Finn would get depressed again.

"Seriously think you should let me handle him, Finn," Taylor said, a stormy look on his face. "Even if you just ran into him, he fucking knows you live here. He should have the decency to stay far away."

Finn sighed as she stood and walked over to the sofa, sitting next to Katie.

"I gotta learn to be around him at some point," she said with a sad shrug. "Isn't that how normal adults are supposed to behave?"

"But not in your own bloody neighborhood!" Taylor shouted. "Fuck, you got this place together so he knows you're here. That's prime tosser actions right there."

"I'll be fine. Besides, I've got Kates here," Finn said, smiling slightly at her. "Though… maybe no more of that, what did you call it? Firewhiskey?" Katie choked on her tea at that. Taylor's eyes went wide, but just as quickly the look of shock was gone and replaced with one of confusion. That was odd, she couldn't help but think. Surely he had no idea what firewhiskey was.

"Of course," Katie managed to squeak. "Though… you had a fair amount of your own whiskey before we left."

"This is true," Finn said with a sigh, leaning her head back on the sofa.

"Maybe stick to wine for a bit, yea?" Taylor said. "I was a bit worried when I saw your texts. Thank god you happened to mention Katie otherwise I might have been forced to track you down just to make sure you were safe."

"I'm a grown woman, Tay. I can take care of myself," Finn shot back at him. "Er, well, at least Katie and I can take care of me."

"And Oliver," Katie said without thinking.

"Who's Oliver?" Taylor asked. Finn's cheeks reddened as she looked down at her lap.

"One of my best mates," Katie said quickly. "Party was at his place." Taylor nodded slowly, studying Finn's reaction.

"You snog him, Finny?" he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

"No!" Finn shouted, looking up at him. "Actually… god it was worse…"

"You shagged him?" Taylor then asked. "Wait… that wouldn't be worse-"

"I vomited on him," Finn said glumly. "Gah… now he'll never ask me out again!" She threw herself into the cushions as Katie fought not to laugh. Though Taylor had no such battle as he laughed loudly.

"Surely it wasn't that bad," he said.

"It was horrible," came Finn's muffled response.

"He wasn't angry or anything," Katie said. "He's a good sort. And still helped me get her home afterwards. Just wanted to make sure she was alright." Taylor nodded slowly, smiling at Katie. She didn't want to admit that she was getting a bit of butterflies in her stomach. Merlin, this was turning difficult. He then pushed up out of the chair.

"Well, I can see that Finn is well taken care of and set for a day of wallowing in pain - both mentally and physically. I'm off," he said, starting towards the door. "Call me if you need anything, Finn."

"Fuck off!" Finn shouted, her face still in the pillow.

"Love you too!" he replied. "And nice to finally meet you, Katie."

"You as well," Katie said, feeling her cheeks heat up slightly. He then waved and left. She turned and looked at Finn. "So what's usually next on your hangover list?"

Finn sat up and looked towards the TV.

"Put on TV or movies while I sleep through all them," she said, starting towards the DVDs.

"Sounds perfect. Let me make you some tea."