Untitled

it was meant to be a task like the others. the only unusual thing finnick had found that day was the destination. usually those in the capitol that favored him enough to seek his ‘company’ were shameless in meeting at his home or inviting him to theirs. even those who were married. so finnick couldn’t even imagine what was waiting for him as he stood in the smooth elevator in formal olive green wool attire that left his broad chest on display up towards the hotel room in the most expensive hotel within the capitol. he couldn’t even fathom spending so much money on a room a night. finnick didn’t mull over who awaited him, he didn’t find the importance in it considering he’d just bare through it as he always did. with his charm and looks he’d find his way out of a pit of serpents – and he had on multiple occasions.

the corridor smelled faintly of lavender. it calmed his nerves just a bit as he walked along expensive carpets in clean deep green dress shoes with golden clasps. the corridors of the hotel he’d never been in at that point were beautiful. creams and beiges the apparent theme with beautiful paintings hung up on the walls. beautiful white calla lilies as perfect as the ones in the paintings rested in beautiful vases of intricate designs and paints. finnick admired as much of the scenery as he could, the sights were stunning. then he reached the cream door with golden trims and a beautiful calla lily hung beneath the peep hole. as a warning, he clicked against the golden figure before he used the card to enter the room.

once more – lavender. it assaulted his senses as he stepped into the room. the room of creams and beiges just the same. his client hadn’t arrived yet so he shut the door and took the time to let his sea-green eyes drink in why the room was so expensive. and upon just a first glance alone he could see why.

a complimentary bar in the room that could more be the layout of a small home without a kitchen or dining room. he looked along the beautiful paintings that hung in expensive mahogany frames. his brows stitched and he exhaled deeply as he wondered what kind of thing he’d meet and be forced to enjoy having sex with – who, that could afford such a room, would need to pay for sex? the bed was beautiful, creams and beiges creams and beiges and creams and beiges. gold trimmings. calla lilies. the scent of lavender. windows that gave a view to the capitol and beautiful side of panem, he drew the cream golden laced curtains shut to block out the early morning atmosphere outside.

finnick didn’t realize then just how familiar he’d end up becoming with the room. he walked over to the bar and he fixed himself a drink, no alcohol, just a sweetness to coat his tongue for whatever bitterness was going to arrive. and someone had arrived soon enough. his muscles tensed on reflex when he set down his drink once the door shut.

“i’m sorry for being late – i was hesitant to come.” those were the first words you’d ever speak to him. and they were so soft. your voice was so soft. delicate and almost pure like the petals on the calla lilies that rested in the vases around the room. not the sultry, skeevy, perverted seductive voice of a woman old enough to be his mother and sometimes his grandmother. finnick’s brows twitched and he turned around, his sea-green eyes nearly snapped open in surprise. you weren’t anything of what he was expecting. your introduction had fallen deaf on his ears as he tried to keep his composure while his eyes drank in the sight of you.

you were young. twenty-one at the most and eighteen at the youngest. you were a stark contrast to the room, a beauty dipped in crimsons and deep reds. the shade didn’t click then but now he knew the shade to remind him of pomegranate juice. you donned a beautiful dress that hugged your figure down just a few inches past your knees. dark pantyhose disappeared up the dress with a sweetheart neckline. you donned a black and inky coat that fell down to your knees, to match the dark pointed toe heels you wore. beautiful rubies glittered in your ears and a dainty diamond necklace was around your throat. you carried a purse on your elbow, a designer one that might have cost more than a home in the victors village. your hands wore soft black satin gloves that stopped at your wrists.

and you were so pretty. jarringly so. with the warm lights your eyes twinkled and a shade that looked as if you rubbed a bitten pomegranate seed on your lips fit your skin perfectly. you wore a sweet smile as you stepped towards him with poise and an air of expensive elegance around you. finnick didn’t notice he’d been staring for so long until you tilted your head in question and he found himself as quickly as his heart beated. the man cleared his throat as he walked towards you, that award winning grin spread on his lips.

“yes – finnick odair but please just call me finnick.” he answered with that charm that always seemed to ooze off his deep voice that dragged with rasp when it grew quiet. it wasn’t his job to question why someone like you wanted to pay for sex, how someone like you paid for the room and paid for his company. as he walked closer towards you, he tilted his head and raised his brows gently. “you seem nervous – would you like a drink to relax?” finnick asked as his hand reached out and gently took your jaw. your skin was so soft, you were even more beautiful up close.

but suddenly your hand encased in that soft satin glove pressed to his chest. his brows lowered to furrow in slight confusion and some surprise. "no, no. i don't want to sleep with you." your voice was so soft. god. it was so delicate, almost as delicate as the frown of surprise on lips painted a shade that's since burned into his memory. you looked to your hand on his chest then to his sea-green eyes before you pulled it back and it joined your other hand against your navel. "i just - want your company. to talk with you. genuinely." you clarified with a soft smile and gentle nod.

"you...just want to talk?" the question left his lips tightly, his facade had fallen hard as he blinked and his brows furrowed. he couldn't remember the last time he'd been genuinely surprised. only a few minutes in and you'd caught him off guard more than he'd been that past year.

your brows sewed up and you smiled a bit sheepishly. “if that’s allowed. i-i’m married and i would never cheat on my husband it’s just a uhm…well, she isn’t a friend but she isn’t a stranger so–” you rambled. finnick could practically see the nervousness that dragged at you as your eyes averted and your brows screwed. gloved hands played with fingers on each hand. with a deep inhale and deeper exhale, you shook your head and met his eyes. “well someone told me that you’re good company and i–find myself needing good company. my husband is always busy and i don’t have much in common with those around me.” you explained, your eyes flickered to his sea-green ones.

finnick grinned lightly, but that grin he donned was genuine. for the first time he showed something genuine before the eyes of a capitol dog. “can i speak freely?” he asked. for some reason finnick didn’t feel fear or anxiety with you, he felt something he hadn’t been able to discern. you nodded at him eagerly as if you had been waiting for him to ask that. finnick believed your permission. “what could you and i have in common? i’m sure whoever told you about me didn’t mean my company was good for talking.” and you nodded with a hum as your bottom lip caught between your teeth.

then you gasped softly and you looked at him with a smile. “you’re from district four, right?” you asked as you walked past him.

“that’s correct.” finnick responded as you stepped over to a dresser and you set down your purse.

and you turned to finnick with a nod as you tugged your coat off. “tell me about life there. fishing, swimming – i’ve always wanted to go swimming.” you confessed as you set your coat onto the dresser before you began to undo the button on your gloves. finnick blinked, another surprise. he wondered what exactly was happening. but as he met your expectant gaze while you dropped your gloves onto your coat, he found nothing deceitful and nothing untrue. you looked genuinely interested – you looked almost enthralled at the idea of hearing him.

and finnick smiled. he truly smiled.

it became something usual. every friday you would visit him in the hotel room. and every time finnick was still wary. he expected you to switch, to place your manicured hand on his thigh or to paint his tan skin in that lipstick you never seemed to be without. but every friday you filled him in on things in your life as he filled you in on things in his and shared other conversations. finnick found conversing easy with you, you were excitable and sweet and a conversationalist unlike anyone he’d ever conversed with. and it wasn’t so bad you were so beautiful with that bitten pomegranate lipstick and that expensive perfume on your skin he still couldn’t figure out. so by the time the tenth friday came by, finnick found his mind spinning with thoughts.

his sea-green eyes watch you attentively, he listens to the way you excitedly chatter about your first swimming lesson. but he begins to wonder whether or not it’d be inappropriate to ask you to stop with the visits. but to instead just be a friend to him. you’re sweet, fun, funny, interesting – you’re a woman he wants to know better and he feels he’ll be unable to to the fullest within the four beige-cream walls. he hums softly as you wrap up your telling with a big smile and a shift of your sleeves that push off your shoulders, your dress is a pretty deep purple. he wonders for a moment how you look when you’re not put together and beautiful.

then again he doubts there is a moment when you're not beautiful.

“but yes – i think it’s going really well i just need to get used to the feeling of my hair being wet.” you scrunch your nose in distaste before you smile softer and hold his gaze. “though i really do love being in the water, i wish i could go more often but too much and my skin could get ruined. i’d rather not upset my husband with that.” a light laugh leaves your lips.

the husband. finnick’s only heard of your husband a few times and he doesn’t like the man that happens to be one of the capitol’s top elites – the reason you can afford the hotel room as he owns plenty of businesses in the capitol and panem. including the hotel. he doesn’t like the man for countless reasons. maybe the fact that he’s fifty while you’re only eighteen and he married you when you were only sixteen. maybe the fact that he rarely ever talks to you and when he does all he offers is criticism. maybe because he’s been rumored to have multiple affairs. maybe it’s all of it. maybe it’s because finnick knows that you deserve better, that he doesn’t deserve you. not by a longshot.

but he doesn’t criticize. because finnick’s been struggling with some late night dreams that aren’t good of him to be having for you – a married woman, a woman married to such a powerful man. because the reason finnick wants to take whatever it is you both have outside of the hotel might not be the most platonic and friendliest of reasons.

then you turn your head and that expensive perfume wafts into his senses to awaken the butterflies in his stomach. “oh! before it gets too late i brought you something.” you say with a lilt of excitement on your tongue as you stand up. “let me get it.” you walk over to where your inky coat, purple lace gloves, and dark black leather purse rest on a beautiful antique chair.

finnick hums with interest and curiosity, he usually receives gifts when he finds himself with a capitol elite but it’s under much different circumstances. usually before he’s bare in front of them with his skin stained in lipstick and that disgust coiling around his insides. and usually gifts he doesn’t necessarily need or like are received. but he feels somewhat excited as you reach into your purse with a tilt of your head and a focus in your eyes. pulling out a pretty velvet box a chocolate shade of brown, you turn to him and curl your index finger at him. those butterflies.

“you didn’t need to buy me anything.” finnick says as he walks over to where you stand.

you shrug gently as he stops in front of you. “i saw it and it made me think of you.” finnick’s heart squeezes and his restraint begins to tug at the chains that rest at the floor of his heart. you’re so sweet, so kind – so soft, warm. finnick smiles at you, dimples prodding into his cheeks as you hold out the pretty box. “a thank you for making my weeks so nice.” you add as he takes it from your hand. finnick’s tan skin warms when his fingertips brush your polished nails. as if he’s a schoolboy and not a man who’s slept with more women than he can count.

finnick looks down and he opens up the box. his brows twitch and he blinks rapidly. it’s a beautiful thin-chain silver necklace with a small trident that hangs off the end. he can recall the conversation with you on the third friday, his trident – the most expensive sponsorship gift ever sent in the games – he’d mentioned how it was a prized possession despite its origins only because it stood as a symbol of all he survived. he blinks softly and he looks to your gaze, you smile up at him with your hands folded against your navel. “do you like it?” you ask softly, hesitantly as worry glitters in your eyes.

he exhales softly and he nods. “i–i really like it.” his voice catches for just a moment, those chains drag at the floor of his heart. “thank you – very much. it’s really beautiful.” finnick says almost breathlessly as his eyes admire the beauty of it. the charm is almost an exact mini model of the trident he held. the man doesn’t bother asking about it. he just enjoys it and his eyes meet your gaze.

smiling in relief, you nod and exhale in the same feeling. “that’s good to hear.” your pretty hands take the box from his and you set it down onto the chair while pulling out the necklace. “here let me see…” your voice softens, it quiets as you step closer to finnick.

and those chains shake as you unclasp the necklace and step so close to him that your body presses to his. he can feel the warmth, he can smell that perfume. and his chin lifts to give you access to his throat as your soft hands brush his skin that he hopes doesn’t feel as hot across his flesh as his nerves and insides do. you clasp the necklace at the nape of his neck, his eyes cast a glance down and he smiles at your face of focus. it’s too soon when you pull your body away from his, but your hands fix the necklace and you smile big. finnick’s sea-green eyes fall down as his tan skin sparks with the remnants of your touch.

“i don’t think i’ll ever take it off.” he says lightly though he isn’t joking. his hand touches the small charm. “i should get you something in return.”

with a gentle laugh, you shake your head but you practically radiate happiness. “i’m glad you like it!” you chirp as your hands fold down above your navel. finnick’s gaze flickers to your eyes that admire the look of the necklace around his neck. then your pretty eyes flicker up to meet sea-green eyes. “it looks good on you.” and your eyes flicker to his bronze hair worn tousled as it almost always is. finnick feels warmer, his jaw tenses for a moment. your eyes meet his sea-green ones and you shake your head. “i don’t need anything in return. like i said – it’s a thanks for your company.”

finnick exhales a soft laugh, it’s quiet and he shakes his head. “i should be the one thanking you, sweetheart.” you never mind his petnames. in fact, he often notices you smile a bit bigger when he uses them. and while your smile twitches upwards at the corners, your brows furrow gently in question. finnick finds his own confusion – isn’t it obvious? “spending these fridays with you are the highlights of my week. especially compared to the women i usually have to entertain. you’re…” he trails off as his arms cross over his broad chest loosely. “you’re kind of like diving into the ocean after being away for a while.”

your smile grows and you roll your eyes while turning away from him. anytime he compliments you, you get shy. he’d squeeze a compliment into every sentence for that if it wouldn’t sell out what he doesn’t want to feel and crave. “refreshing?” you ask with a gentle raise of your brow and an amused smile once your eyes meet his. his grin grows and he chuckles with a nod. you gently smack his chest and cross your own arms over your chest. “you’re too sweet. i’m honored i can be such good company for you.” you say as your pretty eyes flicker between his glittering ones.

“honored? fanning my ego isn’t a good idea.” finnick teases as he leans down closer to you.

laughing, you shake your head and place a hand on his chest. “as if my fanning would do anything to the inferno that it is already, finnick.” he grins a bit bigger, dimples pressing deeper into his cheeks. then your eyes flutter down and you seem to deflate. he knows what it means as you sigh softly and pull your hand away. “i should be leaving now.” you offer softly, your eyes flicker back to finnick’s, then to his necklace, then back to his eyes as you smile softly.

“you should let me walk you out this time.” he offers as you turn and shut the small box the necklace came in. setting it aside, you begin to pull on your gloves while you shake your head gently.

“i wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” you say softly as you tug on the lacy gloves. finnick snorts and you turn to him for the usual routine, one of his hands gently grasp your forearm. skin touches skin and the chains of restraint within his heart begin to rattle further as his other hand gently does the jewel button on your gloves. “besides – you know i always stop to talk the ear off of the sweet woman at the front desk.” finnick smiles at the little fact he does indeed know. and he swallows his bitterness at the sight of your wedding band around your ring finger when he takes your other arm.

“i don’t mind.” finnick reassures you. as his eyes meet yours. that perfume. those eyes. that lipstick. the way your chest rises and falls in a sweetheart neckline. you favor those. “let me, yeah?” he asks with a tilt of his head as he reluctantly releases your forearm.

you smile at him and finnick suddenly stills when your hand reaches out. “you’re too sweet for the card you’ve been dealt, finnick.” you say softly as you brush a wave of his bronze hair back and into his tousled locks. finnick blinks softly, he only breathes when you turn away to grab your coat. “i’ll be happy to be walked down by you but only if it’s not an inconvenience.” you often worry too much, finnick finds bitterness as he catches his breath. it’s probably because of your husband.

finnick helps you pull on your coat. his hands are gentle as he fixes your hair outside of the collar. knuckles brush the nape of your neck. your skin is hot. “do you have everything?” he asks as he attempts to rub the sting off of his skin while you turn and grab your purse. you nod after looking around the room, finnick takes the small velvet box and holds it in his hand. but then his eyes fall down and he stifles a laugh, turning away and covering his grin of amusement with his hand.

“what? what’s–oh my god.” you burst out into laughter as finnick does. smacking his chest before grasping his forearm. finnick turns back and he laughs as he looks down at your pantyhose clad feet missing the expensive heels. since the third friday you’ve been taking them off. “where is my head…” you mutter as you shake your head with a gloved hand over your embarrassed face. finnick laughs and he walks over to the edge of the bed.

“you have your coat on, sit down and let me.” finnick offers and you giggle as you walk over to the edge of the bed.

“it would’ve been humiliating if i left without my shoes.” you say with a grin on your lips as you set the purse down onto the bed. finnick nods as he grabs your heels and crouches down onto one knee.

they’re a pretty black, a strap across the top of your foot and one around your ankle. “i should have let you, it would’ve been hilarious.” you gently swat his shoulder as he slips your heel onto your foot. nimble fingers begin to sort the straps, and his sea-green eyes glance upwards. those chains yank hard against the wall of his heart they’re bolted to when he looks to the lace and garter of your stockings. so they aren’t pantyhose. your dress shifts up on your thighs. finnick drops his gaze.

once your heels are on, you hum softly and he stands. his hand holds out to yours. “thanks, finnick.” you say with a smile and soft exhale as you take his hand. and once you stand, you both leave the room.

it isn’t until you’re in the elevator that you speak. “so, finnick, i’d like to think we’re friends.” you begin with a sweetness. he notices the way your hands fidget with your wedding band, he ignores the bitterness on his tongue and looks to you with a gentle tilt of his head. his heart warms – friends. you’re cute in the way you say the word, excited and joyful. it’s contagious. with a soft exhale, you look to him and you smile sheepishly. “would you want to get lunch tomorrow? i–i’ll pay for your company still but i just want to be with you some place that isn’t well…so…” you trail off trying to find the right word, finnick chuckles and expertly conceals his surprise and feel of butterflies that flutter in his stomach.

“dirty?” he finishes with a raise of his brow.

you laugh and nod while you stand close beside him. “i know it’s a fancy hotel but yeah pretty much.” you smile with amusement and sweetness. then you smile with hesitant expectancy while your eyes meet his sea-green ones. the elevator dings and finnick lets you step out first. “so what do you say?” you ask as he follows you into the corridor that will lead to the lobby.

finnick smiles at you as he stops just before entering the lobby. turning to face you, he nods. “i’d love to. just no seafood – i get sick of it.” he says with a gentle nod. you smile and you glow again with excitement, shifting on your heels with an excited dance before you lean forward and wrap your arms around his neck. finnick wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you close against him as his face pushes into your neck. he wants your scent seared into his nose for bed tonight, for other activities tonight. you’re so warm, kind, lovely.

your husband doesn’t deserve you.