Authors Note: This an extremely Annie and Finnick centric chapter. If you didn't notice before this story is rated M make of that what you will. There is no lemon in this chapter but it does get citrusy towards the end. I don't intend to put warning before citrusy scenes just because most of them are more than just explicit content will be woven throughout the story but if the story layout allows for it I may put one. This story is based on a variety of things I have observed and experienced in my particular collegiate experiences (and of some friends). Chapters will continue to be longer and seven is also currently in progress. There is a lemon currently written for it but I'm sure how steamy people would like the story to get (my writing can get intense) but we will see. Alright enough of my blabbering, hope you enjoy the story!
Annie's Ocean Chapter Six
Finnick's P.O.V
And hell has officially broken loose.
Silence falls over the group, all eyes on Johanna. Guess I better try to break the ice.
"So on a scale of 1-10 how pissed are you all?"
Gale. "8"
Thresh "10"
Rue. "9.5"
Madge. "10! Are fucking kidding me?!"
Annie. "9…"
"Are you even relevant to this?" Johanna snaps causing Annie to shrink back.
"S-sorry" she's replies quietly.
"Well I am and I'd say I'm on fucking 1000!" Peeta shouts causing Annie to jump.
As the others move in closer to Johanna, to likely destroy her entire existence, I move over to Annie who's behind them. I put my head down next her ear so only she can hear.
"Go back to the dorm Annie. Being in the middle of this is doing you more harm than good. Watch a movie, eat some nasty Pistachio ice cream and destress." Annie laughs lightly. I'll consider that a win for me.
Just before she backs up to leave, I hold her in place to tell her one last thing. "Don't let the animosity of today get to you. You are relevant and you ARE a part of our group. Don't ever feel like you're not."
"Finnick…" The soft way she says my name hits me right in my chest. And those eyes are going to be the death of me…I've never been into the cute, awkward girls but something about her is magnetic…
Guilt rushes over me for bringing her into this mess. I guess it's not really my fault but still, she must feel weird about being on the outside of this drama.
"When I brought you to that spot after class I…truly just wanted to spend time with you. Not get into all this and um…well I hope you don't think I'm trying anything on you. When I held your hand earlier it was an instinct I could just tell you were struggling and I wanted to calm you but I didn't know how and… "
Why the hell am I babbling like an idiot my mind is racing all over the place.
I feel Annie's hand lightly along my jaw a gesture that is starting to become my favorite of hers.
"I get it Finnick…I…well… thank you for always seeing me."
I smile genuinely at her and she returns it. "I don't know how anyone couldn't. Lately you've become so bright I can't ignore you."
Annie snorts and quickly covers her mouth to silence her giggles. "You can be such a cornball at times you that?"
"But you don't dislike it do you?" Our faces are dangerously close.
It's around 8pm now so it's getting dark out. I look around to see if anyone is watching us. Luckily most people have returned to the dorms to study. The last thing I want is some nosey groupie making up rumors about Annie.
Thank god everyone else is too busy fighting notice us either. Annie smiles again and her dark green eyes stay firm on mine.
"No, I don't."
I don't know what came over me but suddenly Annie and I are in a lip lock. It's a deep one too, tongue and all. Her hand is firmly on my right cheek rubbing lightly and intimately. I wonder what else she rubs…? Okay that's it Finnick, you're done.
I pull away and turn back to the group knowing if I look at her eyes…and lips I'll be stuck.
Meanwhile, the group is still hounding Johanna but the worst of it seems to have passed. Before engaging I take a quick glance to make sure Annie's on her way back to the dorm. I should've went with her…its dark out…is her phone charged?
Shit…. I'm in deep.
The group is arguing and they don't seem to notice me. I look back again and can't shake my uneasiness. Quietly, I take my leave head back towards the dorms. I take off in a jog and soon I find Annie halfway to the dorms, relieved to find she seems to be okay. As I slow down to a walking pace behind her I notice her head is down and the pulling her hair. I feel my face pale and quickly spin her around to face me.
"Annie what's wrong?" I'm frantic searching to make sure she has no injuries.
Luckily the lights outside the buildings are decent and I can see Annie pretty well. Gently, I move her closer to the street light so I can get a good look at her. Once I do, I see her tears as she begins to shake.
Now I'm scared. Did someone bother her on her way over? Did I scare her? No she's typically pretty alert and must've heard me. So what is it?
I roll up her sleeves and see nothing. Next I kneeled down and rolled up her sweatpants to see if anything was there, nothing. Maybe her foot?
"Hey Annie? I need you talk to me." I say as gently, attempting not to show my panic. "Are you hurt is it your foot? Please don't cry. What happened? Did someone hurt you? If they did I won't let them off. If you don't feel safe I can get off campus. I know your parents aren't here but you've met Mags and she would protect you. If you don't want me there that's no problem just please…talk to me ok?"
I haven't felt this desperate in a while, the first time for girl. Her tears keep falling and I keep wiping them away hoping they cease. Dammit I knew I should've came with her, I'm such a fucking idiot.
"I'm sorry, I'm such an idiot I should've walked you back or at least offered. I know you can stand your own but shit… Annie I'm sorry these tears are killing me. God, I'm such an idiot I'm sorry."
Suddenly, Annie grips my hoodie tight. "Finnick…?"
Annie reaches up on her toes and pulls the hood of my grey zip up over my head. I stare at her confused as she adjust it successful cover my face frim side views.
"Annie…" Our eyes meet.
Another tear falls but a smile graces her lips. "You need to be careful as a popular athlete the last thing you want is more gossip. Haymitch might have your head."
"You haven't answered me."
"I'm overwhelmed Finnick, no one has ever treated me like this…"
"Like what? Did someone say something? I'm serious Annie, are you hurt?" I swear if she is there's gonna be hell to pay.
"No, I'm not. I just can't believe what my life has become."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm here at my dream school, studying the environment like want, meeting friends, having fun…I just…"
"That doesn't sound too bad to me."
"It's not, it's great actually even with drama going on I'm still happy to be around. Having someone to ask me how my day was, go with me to parties, have girls' days with, having people smile at me every day…I've never had that. Not outside my parents' house any way. Getting along with people own age and not feeling as fearful, I mean I'm still adjusting but this also so new and real-"
"You're new normal is a lot happier than you thought right?"
"If you put it simply yes."
"You know we're only a few weeks in right?" My teasing successfully cracks another smile from her "Yes, I know but my gut tells me this will be long lasting.
Chuckling I respond. "Is that positive thinking I hear? Looks like Oceana U's vibes are rubbing off on you."
Annie smiles but then her face goes serious. Though her eyes are on me she seems far away, five minutes pass before she talks again. At this point I'm sure she can read the worry in my face.
"Annie?" This gets her attention and she blinks at me.
Her hands gently rest on my cheeks as I breathe a sigh of relief. "Finn?"
Usually, I hate this gesture but if it's Annie it's soothing plus, it's kinda become her thing with me I guess.
"Yeah?" We both talk softly as if speaking any louder might hurt one another.
"Thank you." It comes out almost as a sob as tightly wraps her arms around my neck.
"What's this about?" Sigh. I've got to work with her on these random outbursts…
"I know I misread your intentions at first but thank you for caring about me. I know you may have other girls and this might be normal for them but this has never happened to me. You rushed here and immediately worried about me like I was the most important person to you…it made me feel valuable and cared about. Even after I told you about my anxieties and panic attacks you watched out for them even actively protecting me. You knew certain things could set me off and you did your best to deflect and comfort me when you couldn't and I've taken you for granted-"Annie just breaks out into a full on sob.
Not knowing what else to do I wrap my arms around her. My right hand holds her head and my left rubs her back soothingly. I'm not as great as you think. I don't go this far for many people and at first I pitied you. Annie I'm not sure when and how but you've crept up and made you're way in my heart…and I don't think I'll be able to take you out of it…
"Finn you are one the best people I've met here. I may not show it but right now you are some one important to me…I just want you to know that…please don't let me down. I know I have no right to say that-"
"You have every right. It's okay to have certain expectations of the people you let into your life. In fact, you need to demand it more often. I'll do everything I can to not let you down…I'm not Peeta but I'll do my best as Finnick."
Annie steps back surprised and I move my arms to around her waist.
"What do you mean not mean 'not Peeta'? Finn I don't want you to be anyone else besides you."
"But Annie I-"
"Who's standing here right now with me? Who went crazy with worry that I was hurt? Who is the one that protects me from potentially harmful situations? You Finn. Peeta will always be someone I might swoon over because he's 'my type'" She says using air quotes. "But, I can't ignore actions and they speak louder than words."
"Weren't you and Peeta somewhat dating?"
"Even if we were that didn't stop you from kissing me. No, we didn't we did go to coffee a few times but that's it. He's a nice guy but his heart is elsewhere I'm not so stupid as to not see that. Quite honestly after the drama today I'm glad I'm not dating him."
Both of us laugh lightly.
"So what are you saying Cresta?"
"Let's go to my dorm and continue." My eyes go wide.
"A-Annie don't think that's a bit much. I mean I'm not complaining but-"
"No Finn not for that, we need a private place to talk if this conversation is going where I think it is. Also it's dark and the temperature is dropping."
"Right…lead the way."
"I'll have to sneak you in."
"Your RA isn't here…even if she was who actually cares?"
Annie rolls her eyes. "Come on."
Annie's P.O.V
We reach my room and I quickly pull Finnick inside. Clove is sleeping at Cato's so I at least don't have to worry about her walking in. This may sound crazy but when I was walking back after the kiss I was bombarded with all the times I took Finnick went out of his way for me. He actually really listened and remembered things about me from ice cream to what sets off my panic attacks…he's consistently there. As far as the tears go, seeing the genuine worry in his face hit me hard. He truly felt bad and worried about my safety. I know these are things to expect from friends but the amount detail, care and thoroughness Finnick has makes me wonder if there's something more. As much as I'd like to be naïve I do recognize chemistry between us.
Finnick immediately sits on my bed. I sit in the spot next him and surprisingly there's no embarrassment, just comfort. I take a deep breath face him.
"So to continue what we-AH!" Finnick pulls me into his lap, draping my right arm around his shoulders.
He gives me mischievous smile as I attempt to fight my blush.
"You were saying?" his Cheshire smile sinks simples in even deeper. Was he always THIS good looking?
I clear my throat and begin again. "W-well, I think we need to address what we are doing?"
Finnick raises a bronze brow. "I thinks it's pretty clear?"
"Oh?"
"Yeah."
"Uh huh…."
Finnick lets out a deep laugh. "Annie if you keep responding like that what do you think your floor mates are gonna think?"
"W-what?! N-No, I just…Finnick!"
He laughs again and pulls me tighter on his lap. "I could get use to this."
"Used to what? What even is this?"
His bright green eyes become pensive before responding. "Truthfully I don't know. This went from nothing to everything so fast."
"I know…things should've happened slower." I lower my voice as Finnick moves his face closer to mine.
"Yeah, I mean there's so much I don't know yet." His voice get husky and it sends a shiver down my spine.
"Maybe we should try slowing it down…" I inch my head closer to his.
"To our credit we did try that…sort of…if you avoiding me counts." I roll my eyes.
"I don't think it does."
"Okay then lets simplify this…don't overthink."
"Okay?"
"Are you attracted to me?"
"Really? Finnick I'm sitting on you in my room."
"Answer the question Cresta."
"Fine, yes…I-I guess I am."
"Alright and as much as I hate to admit it I am too."
"Wait what do you mean by 'hate to admit'?" Irritation floods over me. I look better than half the skanky girls you hang around!
"You're not the kind of girl I'm typically into. I prefer them blonde, cheery and preferably dumb."
"Are you kidding me?"
"Nope. A nice rack helps too." Shrugging in his response.
"Oh. Well in case you're free to leave." I try to move but Finnick holds tight laughing.
"Cool it Cresta. Just because you're not the norm doesn't me I don't want you."
I blush hard. "Want me?"
"Yes. It's no lie we are going to be awkward as fuck until we find a balance between us. Even still I'd rather attempt to have you at this point. If I wait…"
"What you think I'll run to Peeta."
"Maybe or some other good guy like him."
"Okay, but as you said we are just getting to know each other."
"Khloe Kardashian got married after month."
"Should I bring up how her spouse is doing and how that ended?"
"Fair point. Here's how I see it. The more we avoid the more it's going to show to others. I'm already constantly getting pressed about you as it is. Eventually we will become the new Cato and Clove while some people strive for that I don't. I'm already emotionally committed to you so I'm not going anywhere. My hands are tied. I've tried to fight it but its still there and getting stronger every day. I understand if you aren't there yet but you should know that I am."
I stare at Finnick at a loss for words. Even his cool demeanor is wavering, his nervous eyes give him away.
"That's a lot but thank you for telling me how you feel. I still find it hard to believe but I trust you. I would rather us…try this but low key. I have never been in a situation like this and I do like you a lot but I'm not sure I can be what you need. After watching Madge an athlete's girlfriend is no small feat. You play Division 1 lacrosse and swim. Scouts are looking at you for both and I have no idea what either sport entails to be the best. I have to get your schedule and makes sure I don't interfere. Gosh, I need to start going to games and practices if I'm going to be useful. Do you have a video camera? If not I need to get one so I can get you recordings your plays. I may not know quite yet what to film but I'll do my research I'm good at that. You're number 24 right? That's Mags favorite number right? I remember that night we were drunk out of our minds surprisingly… Plus I need to make sure my notes are through and find people in your other classes to cover notes in case you have to miss for an interview. You need a head start on projects because midterms will be hear soon and that's peak season for you. Regardless you still need a degree and back up plan. Have you looked into graduate schools? I don't even know if you're pre- med or not. What have I been doing?!" I feel myself freak out quickly write all things in my things to do. The last thing I want to do is be useless to him…he's already done a lot for me.
"You done yet?" Finnick raises a brow questioningly.
"No but my mind is spinning too much for me to add more."
Finnick laughs. "The fact you are that worried about learning about my life and things to help already sets you above everyone else."
"What these are basics."
"Just like you, this is the first time someone as thought of things fore on their own. If recall correctly you said girlfriend?"
"I-I didn't mean to b-but what else would I be?" I say fighting my embarrassment down.
"I guess I was expecting to ask you first but if you want to take crown it's all yours."
"Thank you I'll keep it for the moment. I still think we should keep it to ourselves as much as we can though."
"Actually, you may be right. Currently there's too much going on I'd rather keep you to myself before the group knows. Once that happens it will be all over campus and with my rep I imagine drama will follow. For now, I can just keep learning more about you."
"That's true I didn't think about the gossip and groupies. And likewise, there's so much about you I don't know yet either." My left hand instinctively goes to his chiseled jaw, I can tell it's becoming a turn on for him.
I don't know where this inner flirt in me is coming from but she's really making an entrance. The fact that I'm this intimate with Finnick at all is terrifying…but electrifying, amazing and most importantly safe. It hits me that this is where I want to be and I'm…happy with that. Oh please don't make me regret this, please!
"What do you want to know?" Finnick moves my long hair behind my ear.
"Well, for one I don't know your family…" I look away wondering if that was too personal.
"It's not a secret Annie. My mom comes from money, her father was a top stock broker or something. She's an only child so when he passed part of the fortune went to Mags, my mother. As you can guess Mags is maternal my grandmother. My dad is a marine biologist who also came from money. Due to his work he travels a lot and often isn't home. My mother is the head of a big international charity organization so she often tags along with my dad on his trips. My dad's parents passed away before I was born so Mags is my only living immediate relative."
"Did your parents never come home or…?"
"Nope it's quite the opposite actually. Growing up my mom was a house wife though she still did a lot of local volunteer work and my dad worked from home. Oceana is the perfect place for the family of marine biologist since it's surround by natural ocean, and lakes if you north towards Diem Rock. Anyway, both my parents were always around but I was a pretty independent kid. Mischievous too, I drove my mom crazy as toddler. Mom and Dad didn't start travelling gain until I was 16 or so but they always checked in. Dad even had cameras installed in our house so I couldn't get away with anything."
"For some reason that doesn't surprise me." We both laugh.
"Oh, I have an older sister Bronwyn she's five years older. Currently she lives in Dublin and does marketing for a beer company. She and I are pretty close, apparently we look a lot alike."
"She must be beautiful then…"
"Eh, she's alright." I give him a playful shove.
"Bronwyn Odair…"
"Mhm…I don't typically talk about my family though. Since our family name had some fame associated with it many people gossip and what not. Which was weird since there are way richer and more famous people around here than us."
"Well if your parents are anything like you I imagine looks play a role."
"I'll show a pic as long as I stay your favorite Odair."
He reaches for his phone and shows me a family photo. I almost jump out his lap. His family is so genetically blessed its crazy. He looks a lot like his dad with same smile, dimples and broad shoulders. However his eyes and freckles are totally his mom. Bronwyn looks almost identical to Finnick just longer hair. Her eyes are blue like their father's and her hair is closer to his blonde. All of them seem pretty tall except for Mags and his mother. Even his sister looks at least 6 ft, his father looks around 6'2 and Finnick pushes 6'4.
"Wow your family is beautiful and Mags is the most beautiful grandmother I've ever met. She looks like she's in better shape than me!" Finnick smiles watching me take in his family.
"She probably is she does a lot of yoga and kick boxing. For a 65 year old she kicks ass." I hand his phone back to him which he places on the nightstand.
"This was a while back but why was Mags surprised when I was there?"
Finnick rubs the back of his awkwardly. "Well I've never had any one over to the house before so…"
"Wait. Me. The crazy drunk college girl was the first? Don't lie Finnick."
"I'm serious! I didn't want people to know my family was rich. The house I brought you to is technically Mags. My father wanted to live simply and near his work so we grew up in a small cottage by the coast. We still own it but now that I'm older luxury isn't bad. Particularly when living in these crowded dorms."
"I'd hardly say it's crowded. These dorms are pretty big you're just tall!"
Finnick chuckles. "Whatever, anything else you're dying to know?"
"There's a lot actually. There are things I want to know that I don't know to ask about yet. Again we haven't known each other long. You may get sick of me and- "
Finnick shuts me up with a kiss and I immediately melt. I have a feeling he'll be using this as a way to shut me up at times, not that I mind. I reciprocate the kiss, my hands finding their way into his hair. As the kiss gets more intense he shifts me so I'm straddling him on the bed. One of my hands finds its way to the edge of his jaw. Finnick groans and bites my lip, now I'm hot and bothered. I gasp which he uses as an entrance for his tongue. When our tongues meet, it's like a fire ignited in me. Now I'm not a virgin as many would think. It was terrible drunk night at my college last year which I will never speak of again. However, right now I feel like I am. I know Finnick isn't because he was honest about that early on but he's not irresponsible and I trust him. I'm taking the shot too so… Oh my god…I want to fuck Finnick Odair…badly. What has happened to me? And why am I into this?
I'm dragged out my thoughts when Finnick begins placing kisses on my neck. These are not a regular kisses, these are hot, sensual and lingering. My neck is really sensitive –I can only imagine the hickeys I'm going to have tomorrow-and his lips are so soft and warm. I can't even think straight about all the places I want them on me. Since it's heating up I go bold and remove my sweatshirt forgetting I only had a bra on underneath. Finnick pauses and stares for a good couple minutes and I instantly get bashful.
Delly calls my boobs a secret asset, I call them heavy. I'm a double D and I hate it. It turns me into a sex object in people's minds when they're out so I keep them strap down covered.
"Damn…" Finnick looks up at me and I'm expecting grief about hiding them but instead he says. "You're beautiful you now that?"
I look away still feeling uncertain as to which part of me is beautiful. Finnick sighs and pulls of his hoodie and t-shirt. I can't help but stare his body looks like it's made of marble. He resists the urge to smile at me gently moves my face to look at him.
"Is the only part you find attractive about me my body?" His are so serious and I feel awful.
"Of course not! Why would you think that? I love that you care about me and protect me. Your dimples, you're freckles, your laugh, smile, wit, jokes the list goes on! You call me on faults but like them all the same I-"He kisses me gently and smiles.
"Then why would think that's the only thing I find beautiful about you?"
I blush realizing he right. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to you. You are beautiful, sarcastic, wise, playful, and brutally honest with me. Your smile is everything and those eyes are dangerous at times. You have a temper, love Brandy, and hiking. You love the environment and are loyal to you friends. Like you said the list goes on, all these things are beautiful about you. Our relationship is just like this. We move quickly but take a step back when we need to and move forward. As long as we communicate…I'm in this. Are you?"
My brows furrow but Finnick is dead serious. I shouldn't do this. I should back out now maybe try again tomorrow. This is a lot! What is going on? Who is Annie Cresta anymore? And why Finnick is everything I need right when I need it…
"Yes, I'm in it." This time I grab his face and kiss him.