Who: Finn and Dorian What: First Meeting When: Mid Morning, June 24, 2019 [Backdated like whoa!] Where: Library, Facility Rating: Low Status: Complete
Dorian was better prepared for the library in the Facility this time. His brief tour with Riley soon after arriving on the island was a little rushed and the taller man was still a bit uneasy about things. Today he entered the library and slowly looked around. Wearing another pair of dark jeans and a faded lilac-colored t-shirt, Dorian tucked some stray strands of hair behind his left ear as he moved down an aisle to see what section he was in and what was available.
Finn was humming softly as he wandered around the library pushing the trolley, it was a daily routine - checking returned books back into the computer system before putting them back into their correct places. Over the years he had learned the system and of course where most books belonged, thank goodness for the little letters and numbers on the spine! He had just taken another armful of books that belonged in this particular section and had turned into a different aisle when he saw a tall gent ahead, it wasn’t someone that he recognized as a regular so he put on a smile and spoke as he got closer, his voice soft and friendly. “Looking for something in particular?”
The taller man turned and saw the man approaching him. Wasn’t that the guy who was playing the violin on stage at the Memorial Day festivities? Riley’s boyfriend? Dorian smiled. “Fantasy books….maybe Anne Rice?” He already felt more comfortable here with a friendly face to greet him instead of guards or unfriendly folks.
Finn smiled, fantasy and science fiction books were some of his favorite genres too, of course he knew where they were, he knew where every single genre was located in this library. “Yep, just let me put these away and I’ll take you there.” He said, indicating the few books that he was holding. “Only take me a minute or so.” The first two books were located just to his side so he put those back and the other three weren’t that far away either. “Done. Follow me. I’m guessing Vampire Chronicles, I don’t take you for the type who’d read the erotic Sleeping Beauty series that she wrote under a pseudonym.” He could be wrong but the majority of people liked her vampire books and not her erotisism.
“Okay,” Dorian smiled and waited, looking here or there to get an idea of how big the library was. Then when Finn returned, he’d nodded. “I...didn’t know she wrote erotic stuff. I finished Violin last week.” The taller man replied as he took a step closer to the other man.
“Yeah, she used a fake name so no one knew it was her, she didn’t want to be type casted as only writing about vampires… or something like that if I remember right, eventually she did admit that it was her work and now I don’t think anyone really cares about what genre she writes in.” He said as he lead the younger and taller man towards the fantasy section of the library. Finn really did love books and probably knew too much about them. “Have you read the Prince Lestat ones that she released in like the past five or so years? I think we’ve got them here somewhere.” ‘
“Oh, cool,” Dorian breathed as he followed Finn. “I haven’t. I just started reading her books. Someone recommended Violin and I loved the story and writing style.” Roman was right that he would like it.
“I suggest starting at the beginning. The Vampire Chronicles was where she started and I still like them.” When they arrived in the fantasy aisle Finn looked up and down the shelves until he found the ‘R’s, stopping he reached up and grabbed Interview With The Vampire and handed it over. “If you liked the movie you’ll love the book. If you haven’t seen the movie then you’re in for a treat.”
Dorian was fascinated that Finn liked Anne Rice as well. His eyes glanced over the other books as they reached the section. “Then it seems I’m on the right track,” he smiled. Taking the book, the taller man nodded. He had been too busy to watch many movies. But he was happy with his life since Caspian freed him. It had been dangerous, but he wouldn’t trade any of that. “I will be in for that treat.” He grinned.
Finn enjoyed the freedom and escapism that books allowed him to enjoy, he might not be able to get off the island physically but at least in his mind he could get away. Riley had learned many years ago that if his boyfriend was engrossed in a book to not bother trying to draw his attention away until he was good and ready. “The rest of her books are along here. The usual borrowing period is two weeks, but if you need more time to finish it just drop in before then and I’ll renew it. You’re also allowed to just sit here in the library and read if you’ve got nothing better to do and don’t want to sit at home.” It was his usual ‘welcome new person’ speech but no matter how many times he said it the tone was always light and welcoming, the library had become his life since arriving on the island and he really did love it. “No food allowed but you can bring in a drink bottle, we’re not savages.”
He nodded, holding the book in his hands, as he listened and watched Finn. It sounded like standard procedure for a library. Then he smirked, letting out a little laugh at the last comment. “Thank goodness for the bottled drink.” Dorian spoke as he looked down at the other man.
Finn smiled up at the young man, his usual bright smile - or as Riley called it ‘his one thousand watt smile’. “I worked in a bookshop one summer and they were strict - no food or drink of any kind, not even for us workers. We had to go out to the break room if we wanted a glass of water.” Plus the bosses at that bookshop weren’t exactly the nicest people and he was glad when summer was over and he went back home. “They’ve said here that as long as your drink bottle has a sealable lid and it doesn’t spill if you accidentally knock it over then it’s allowed. Oh and no trying to sneak alcohol in your bottle.” Which was a good thing, because after hours one tended to get quite thirsty and drinking at his desk was a lot easier than having to go out each time.
And that was a bright and handsome smile. Dorian smiled back as he listened. “Protective of the books,” he replied. The taller man missed being around loads of books. He was quite a nerd and bookworm before he ran away from home. Then he blinked. “Well, curling up with a book and some wine is best for home anyway.” He grinned.
"Well no one else is going to protect them otherwise, books are pretty defenceless." Although the books weren't his and he had no say about who borrowed them or what titles they got in, Finn was indeed protective of the books, especially those which had since gone out of print and were hard to replace. Some people would also think him crazy for talking about inanimate objects in such a way but true book lovers seemed to understand. He chuckled at the idea of curling up with a good book and a glass of wine. "I wish someone would tell that to my fiance! He can get… impatient… if I'm engrossed in a good one." But that was Riley.
“Yes, they are.” Dorian nodded as he held the copy of Interview with the Vampire protectively against his chest. He was surprised that there was such a selection of books on the island - in the library or even the bookstore in the Marketplace. A soft laugh escaped the taller man’s lips. “Oh? Then he doesn’t understand.” Dorian deduced perhaps that Riley had proposed. Then he fidgeted a little before speaking, “...I don’t think I’ve told you my name. I’m Dorian.”
There was a large selection of books on the island but most of them seemed to be fiction with a good slathering of instructional and reference books thrown in, maybe the authorities didn’t want residents to read non fiction and get ideas in their heads. Who honestly knew any more? After the first few years the reality that he might never actually get off the island sunk in and now he was just trying to build the best life he could here, finding Riley had really been a blessing. When the younger man said his name, a look of recognition appeared on Finn’s face. This was Dorian, one of Riley’s new friends. “Pleased to meet you Dorian. I’m Finn and I believe you know my… better half Riley - the island’s social butterfly?”
Some of Dorian’s initial fears when being brought to the island was being under complete oppression. But thankfully there were books to help mentally and temporarily escape. The taller man saw that look of recognition and he smiled. “Likewise. Yes, I do. Congrats on the engagement. I don’t know who’s the luckiest. ...Also, I liked your violin-playing last month at the Memorial Day thing.”
Riley had a habit of telling Finn all about the new people he had met and the friends he was making, most of the time it was at the kitchen table over their evening meal or just sitting together on the couch if they had gone out to eat. The extrovert in Riley needed to be around people while the introvert in himself preferred to be around books instead, despite this difference they got along so well that now a wedding would be looming in their future. “Definitely me, because he said yes.” Finn replied to the statement who was the luckiest. “And thank you, I often sit at my desk and play if it’s quiet, haven’t had any complaints so far and do occasionally take requests.” Although he wasn’t really up to par with the music of the past five years.
Dorian liked Riley’s energy despite being a tiny bit overwhelmed by it when he first met him. Thankfully he wasn’t put off by it. Then he smiled at Finn’s reply. “You’re welcome. Mmm, I wish I could play an instrument, but I sadly that wasn’t something I was interested in while I was in school.”
“Well we do have an Arts Center here with music, fine arts and dance. There’s also a few music tutors who can teach you how to play if it’s something you want to have a go at.” Finn was a big believer in not only books but also music, both had helped him so much since he arrived on the island. “I started lessons when I was a kid so I’m kind of an old hand at it, ‘a born gift’ as my parents would say. If I wasn’t so busy here I’d volunteer over at Marigold’s.”
“I might do that,” Dorian replied as his eyes brightened at the idea of learning to play an instrument. Books, music - those were his usual escapes. “You are lucky again.” He shook his head.
Music was how he had met Riley and each time he went and played the piano over in Marigold it reminded him of that moment, especially when he played ‘I would do anything for love’ which happened to be the song that Riley had walked in on him playing. “Tell Dani - she’s the one who runs it - that I sent you over, she’ll look after you.” Though he was sure that Dani was grateful for the recommendations coming from him.
Music had helped Dorian during the traumatic time in his life - mostly David Bowie and Queen. But he had found classical instrumental music brought him the most joy and calm in the last few years. “Okay. Dani,” he repeated the name to himself to he’d remember it. “I will. Do you know what instruments she teaches?”
“Dani’s a dancer, I don’t think she can play but she’ll point you in the right direction, she knows just about everyone who uses the Center. You can even borrow instruments from there to take home and practise with, I was just lucky enough that I was able to bring my violin over with me, I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t have my music to fall back on when I first got here.” Finn said, trying to think about some of the tutors names but coming up blank, authors he could remember and recall at a moment’s notice - people on the island, not so much.
“Oh, okay,” he nodded. “That sounds good. I may go and ask one of these days. That is luck again. I’m glad got to bring with you and you’ve had music.” Dorian smiled. He had books and talking to Caspian to keep him sane on the island so far. And even more so, new friends!
Everyone had their coping mechanisms when they first arrived - books and music were Finn’s but he knew that some people exercised excessively or used their monthly ‘allowance’ on alcohol in order to cope with their captivity. “Please do, I’m sure you’ll find something there that takes you fancy. Instruments are like books in a way, sometimes the strangest ones just call to you. Don’t rule anything out until you give it a go, you might be a Kazoo master!”
Dorian let out a snort. “Maybe. Mmm. I’ll take my time on that.” He shook his head and smiled. The taller man loved the books he had found on the island, old favorites and potential new favorites. And thankfully (but also unfortunately), the Finn family was here with him. Having some bit of stability was also a comfort. Then his attention went back to books, this library, and Finn. “Thank you for taking care of this library.”
Finn smiled. “It’s become a passion of mine. I used to run the family’s bookshop back… before, so logically when I came here I asked if I could get a job in the library. As time progressed I got to know the system and the layout and next thing I know I’m curator of it.” He loved the library really. “But it keeps me sane and busy, Riley would probably say I spend too much time there.”
“It would probably had been a passion of mine if some things were different,” Dorian nodded. He loved to be able to find people that liked to read and books like he did. “Yeah, it would. I know I’m not a good friend, just an acquaintance, but I’m very glad you and Riley found each other.”
Just talking about Riley brought a smile to Finn’s face, it always did. He knew how lucky he was to find his soulmate here, that somehow fate smiled on them both and brought that ray of sunshine into an otherwise dull existence away from everyone he knew and loved. “We’re both very lucky, I don’t want to think where I’d be without him and I know he sometimes feels the same way. I just wish that everyone on the island could find someone who makes them happy.” It was a bit of a fool’s dream, but he had to have hope that things weren’t always so dull and miserable.
Dorian smiled in return at the idea of two people dating and then becoming engaged on the island. There was hope and possible happiness here. Perhaps he could find the same. But deep down, he’d rather get his friends and family off the island. “Mmm, I hope to find someone someday...but not necessarily on this island. But if it happens it happens.”
There was still a slither of hope that they’d get off the island - that Finn could introduce Riley to his family and they’d be able to travel down to Texas to see the places that Riley used to frequent when he was younger, but for now they were stuck on the island for the foreseeable future and had to make the best of it. “If it’s going to happen, it’ll happen. I never thought we’d be getting married when I first met Riley.” But he didn’t want to rub his own happiness in other people’s faces. “Any other books you might be interested in? You can borrow half a dozen at a time.”
Live a free and happy life - that was what Dorian wanted for himself and everyone else he cared about. Perhaps he could go to Texas as well and see what Riley had mentioned. “Mmm, yeah.” the younger man sighed. Some days were good, some were bad. “Probably one more - the second in the Vampire Chronicles series just in case I get hooked after the first one?”
At the mention of the next book in the series Finn grinned and ducked back down to where the book was, grabbing it off the shelf before returning to Dorian and handing it to him. “Here. If I see you back here in the next day or two I know you’re hooked.” He said with a grin, many a night had passed where he managed to get through a few hundred pages in the space of a few hours. “Come over to my desk and I’ll get you checked out.”
Dorian let out a soft laugh - recognizing and enjoying the bookworm quickness of Finn. “Thank you.” He nodded taking the second book. “I took my time with Violin. I hope I get hooked on something new.” The taller man nodded, willing to follow Finn. “What have you been reading lately, if I may ask?”
“Lately? I’m working my way through Ruth Rendell’s catalogue of standalone novels, there’s twenty something titles and I think I’ve only read half a dozen of them so far. She’s no Sir Arthur Conan Doyle but she’s really good at British mysteries.” He had read books by quite a few of the American mystery authors but there was just something different about how things were done across the Atlantic that drew his attention in and held it. “I’ll read just about anything… except that ‘mommy porn’ stuff.”
“Mmm, then who is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle besides him?” Dorian nodded. He kept to the fantasy, supernatural, and science fiction. But Sherlock Holmes was an interesting one that he had only read one story back in junior high. “Cool...mmm, ehhh.” The taller man squirmed a little. He had heard about those books. A bit triggery to him.
“I personally believe he was the father of British mystery novels, the times have changed but his books have held true, they’re one of the most popular ones that people hire out.” It seemed like everyone liked to escape the reality of the island. Finn had seen the books on the shelf, though he’d never go near them, give him something with more structure. “I just wish we could get some more non fiction stuff here, but I suppose we better be content with what the new titles that we get in every few months.”
“Mmm, maybe if I get hooked on the Anne Rice books and finish all of them, I will move on to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.” Dorian liked to read the fantastic and live a normal life. There was no place for the traumatic past in his present. “That would be good. But yes, be content.” He replied.
“Let me know if that’s the case and I’ll make sure that I keep them aside for you.” No one questioned the librarian when he said that a book was currently unavailable, the general didn’t need to know who borrowed what book, although the government seemed to with the whole ‘ID card’ thing, but Dorian would be safe with what he was borrowing. Interview with the Vampire wasn’t exactly ‘overthrow the government’ kind of reading. “I don’t want to imagine what life would be like on this island if there wasn’t anything to read, I bet there would’ve been mutiny years ago.” Meant as more of a joke it wasn’t really that far from the truth, bored residents were not a good thing.
“I will. Let’s see if I get hooked. I do like her writing style, but she’s no J.R.R. Tolkien.” Dorian wasn’t worried at the moment of who knew what books he checked out to read. “Yeah...mmm,” he chuckled to keep it light. “We could have a Fahrenheit 451 on our hands.” He shook his head.
“No one should be mentioned in the same breath as Tolkien, that man is a literary genius! Well maybe C.S Lewis, if you can get beyond all those religious undertones to the Narnia series.” Yes, Finn was a big fan of Middle Earth. “Or worse. Only heathens would burn books.” Their walk towards the desk was unhurried but eventually during their discussion they reached it and Finn walked around to stand behind his computer, ready to check the books out for Dorian. “Okay… I need your ID card and we’ll get you checked out.”