Friends in unlikely places

Lydia pulled Finlay up, helping to get him back on his feet. She took a step back, not realizing how tall he was compared to her. Nearly choking on her words, she stuttered in trying to respond; "I-I'm uhm. Fine. I'm fine." She said finally, brushing herself off. "I was trying to get away from some asshole cop that wants my sister. Unfortunately, I messed up and now he wants me too." As she spoke, her hands worked to fix her now messy braid. Re-tying it with the red ribbon, she flopped the braid over her shoulder and smiled. "I really hope I didn't bruise any of your fruit or anything."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnathan leaned backwards against the porch, standing next to Cynthia. He gently grabbed her mug of coffee and placed it beside him before gently grabbing her hands in his and guiding her to stand in front of him. "We both know you only come out here on your own when you've got a lot on your mind." He said in a low and comforting tone.

Cynthia sighed and leaned into his chest, wrapping her arms around him as she slumped. "I just don't understand why people hate us so much. The new recruit is just some kid. He shouldn't need to hide... none of us should." Her chest felt heavy and her throat starting hurting as she fought the urge to cry.

Johnathan arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer to him in a gentle hug. He rested his chin on her head as his hand smoother her hair. "Thia, you can't always walk around with the weight of the world on your shoulders. It's crushing you." He said before placing a gentle kiss on her head.