Peeta
She didn't say no. She said she will talk to Darius and she'll come back to me.
It's ridiculous how hopeful I feel at the sound of those two words. I've daydreamed in every possible significance that short sentence maybe entitles. I also know my imagination is flying too high because she is not ready yet, but she will be. I will work hard that.
I try to not stare when I watch when she and Darius leave the house, but I couldn't stop my eyes from noticing the way his hand lingered on the small of her back. My mind flies with questions: Why does she let him? And why the hell does she smiles at him? She never smiles like that to me.
"You have to stop, dude." Cato's voice startles me. I look at him questioning,"You'll have to be a little more patient, although am a pretty jealous guy myself, I strongly recommend for you to hide it the best you can. Gale was like that and I don't think she'll appreciate the similitude."
"You're right, I have no claim on her yet or if I ever will but I'd like to stop hearing his name related to me. I'm not like him; I would never do what he did to Katniss, not now not ever." I answer with a deep sentiment.
"Okay, chill, we all know you won't. What happened upstairs anyway?" Cato asks smirking.
"They were sucking faces." Marvel answers deadpan as he enters the living room.
"How do you -?" I start to ask.
He stops me midsentence "I was upstairs; I heard all the moaning, now you're here, it was just too short for it to be more than a make out session."
I sigh "I guess there's no such thing as privacy in this house."
"I don't think so, no." Cato raises his hand to high five me. Finnick is watching the exchange, he smiles but I can decipher the hurt on his eyes.
He suddenly stands up and heads to the door "I'm going out, see you." I feel bad for him; I know quite well how unrequited love feels.
I stand awkwardly there, feeling awful for my friend. "I shouldn't be doing this to him." I say to Cato.
"You're doing nothing to him. She wouldn't be with him regardless of what you do. Now, details." He says as he pulls a beer from the refrigerator.
"I don't kiss and tell, you should know me better." I know he will tease me about it but I had been dreaming with this girl since, well, forever, I'm not doing anything to ruin this.
"I think you got it bad." Cato smirks at me.
I nod rubbing my hair "You're right about that, I'm screwed."
"Yes, you are, if only because she is Katniss and she is going to give you hell." We all chuckle.
I don't find what to do with myself,It's taking forever for her to come back, anxiousness invade my senses. I tried to sneak out and head to the bar but Cato stopped me.
"But what if he kisses her again?" Lame, I know, but it was the only excuse I could make up at the time thinking on my feet.
"Peeta, you're not like this. Trust me she can handle herself, she gave me a black eye when we just met."
"Why?" I ask suspiciously.
"Let's just say, I didn't knew she was with Hawthorne and I was a little drunk so I made a pass…she didn't take it well." He shakes his head at the memory.
I laugh at the image of the petite girl punching giant Cato "I know I'm being an idiot. It's just that every time I manage to approach her, someone steps between us. I don't want to waste this opportunity by being shy again."
Tresh intervenes "Why are you so shy around her? You were you a chick magnet whenever we go out."
"I may sound like an asshole but I really never cared before." I answer honestly.
"You never had a girlfriend?" Cato asks surprised.
"One. She was my best friend, Delly, I ask her to prom and we kind of started dating after that, but I never really fell for her, you know? So, when she left 12 to go to College we broke things up."
The sound of the door startles me and I turn to look who it is, hoping it is finally her, as soon as I see the long braid that I have so well memorized, I instantly stand from the couch and walk to her. I froze not sure of what to do now that I'm close to her so I put my hands in my pants pockets, feeling shy all of a sudden "Hi" I tell her sheepishly. I'm such an idiot around her. I sigh shaking my head at my lame greeting.
"Hey." She answers with a half smile and a light shade of pink on her cheeks. My insides melt at the sight unable to look away.
"Let her in, you moron! You're blocking her way!" Tresh yells and he and Cato start laughing. I blush furiously and step aside allowing her to pass, She chuckles softly too. That makes me realize that if this idiots mocking me, make her smile like this I will gladly volunteer as a clown.
It doesn't stop me from glare at them though. They're idiots right?
She goes to the kitchen claiming that she is starving.
"Let me make something for you." I offer right away.
"Hey, if you cook for her, you cook for all of us too. That's only fair!" Cato yells without looking in my direction, otherwise he will lose whatever game he is playing with Thresh at X-Box, along with fifty bucks and laundry duties for one week.
"Let me think about it…Nope," I say popping the p at the end. They whine and complain but pay back is a bitch right?
So I make Tresh's favorite Bologna sandwich for Katniss and take it to the couch for her to eat it in front of them; Tresh is practically drooling and Katniss takes the belt right away making a show of eating it, the problem is that, hearing her moans and sighs of appreciation with every bite is doing a real number in me too.
After she finishes eating I notice she has trouble keeping her eyes open, the sight is so cute it makes me chuckle. "Why don't you go to bed?" I ask taking the plate from her lap.
"I don't want to; I'm content here, like this." She says in a soft whispered voice that warms my heart.
When she finally starts to snore softly and Cato beats Thresh, they go to their rooms. I don't want to leave her here and I don't dare to lift her and take her to bed, maybe she'll give me a black eye too. After all, who the hell knows in which bed she wants to sleep tonight, so I take a blanket and cover her with it, then I turn to lie down on the couch in front of hers, dozing off with the most perfect view I could have think off for bedtime.
Katniss is not there when I wake. But I'm wrapped in the same blanket that I used to cover her before.
Every day I walk to the campus with Katniss and Finnick every morning and I come back with the guys after practice, by that time she is already at home.
I'm in charge of dinners and everyone else fight about whose turn is to clean the dishes. I always help when it's Katniss turn while everybody makes whipping sounds. I don't mind one bit as long as I get to be with every second after that, which I do, talking, watching television or if she has to work I love to be her company.
I haven't kissed her again yet, although I'm dying to do it but I think it's better to keep things slow, for as long as can I control myself anyway.
The sleeping arrangement is awkward, she still sleeps on Finn's bed but he is never there anymore. I don't know who he stays with but when he is at home he sleeps in Katniss bedroom.
"I've been a horrible friend to him." I tell Katniss with remorse one morning after Finn enters my room,his room, in his way to the bathroom.
"Don't be, it's just a phase,"she assures me
"He is hurting Kat."
"No, he isn't."
"God, you really have no idea the effect you have, do you?" She rolls her eyes at me "He has feelings for you."
"He is just confused." Now is my turn to roll eyes, shaking my head "Peeta, he thinks he has feelings for me, but I know him like the back of my hand, we're best friends, I assure you he doesn't."
"How can you assure something like that? He talked to me about that." I reply with confidence.
"Yes, because he really thinks he has them, look, nobody should be as handsome as Finn is. Sometimes it works as a curse. No girl sees past that, and his cocky attitude doesn't help his case either."
I clench my jaw "That handsome huh?" She nods and I look away, a pang of jealousy creeping into my heart.
"Relax, jeez! He is wonderful but I'm not attracted to him; I know exactly the kind of person he is and he knows that I value him greatly. That's why he thinks he can find in me what he wants so badly."
"It's a good hypothesis, but I'm not sure about its veracity yet."
"Well, you'll see. With time, you'll see."
"You are a wise woman, Everdeen." I tease.
"Shut up." She says, hitting my arm, making me laugh.
Her playful makes me wonder if I'd ever be able to kiss this girl every time I feel like it. I feel so happy around her, especially now that she doesn't use a perpetual scowl around me. "Kat?"
She tilts her face towards me, still smiling "Yes?" god, she really is breathtaking.
"I want to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
I take a deep breath, gathering courage "Would you go out with me, like on a date?" I ask nervously while she opens wide her charcoal eyes. I obviously throw her out of balance, I flinch expecting the negative.
"Of course she will!" Cato yells hitting the counter in frankly exasperation, startling us.
Marvel leans back folding arms over his chest, amused watching the exchange. Katniss glares at him fiercely. I was so caught up in her that I haven't even notice their presence.
Fuck.
"Cato…" I start to say.
He shushes me, pointing a finger in a gesture that says don't-even-think-about-talking.
"Everdeen, you're my friend and you're going to listen to me, if only this time in your life: You will put on a pretty dress, a short one preferably, and nice shoes, not those convers," he says pointing at her feet with his index finger, and goes on "you will go out with the guy and you'll even let him open the car door for you, and if he acts by the book you will kiss him at the end of the evening and stop moping around for some asshole who doesn't deserve it." Cato lectures. "It would be perfect if you use your hair down too, and a little makeup too." He finally, adamant says.
After a few bzbbling seconds, she snaps petulantly "I'm not mopping around!"
"Yes, right. Kat, stupid dumbass cheated on you, it was months ago, you hurt, you cried, we all cried with you, and we all got drunk with you, a little too much if you ask me. My point is, don't you think enough is enough already?" I'm still too astonished to say anything.
Katniss frowns furiously, her mouth opens and closes but nothing comes out of it.
"I think Hulky here, has a point." Marvel agrees.
"Shut up!" Katniss and I snap at unison but he shrugs at us.
"Cato is right, Gale was an asshole, partly because, well, he was, but also because he resented that you weren't really in-love with him, so stop fooling yourself and don't insult our intelligence, Catpiss."
"Fine! I will go out." She turns to look at me and says "I have Thursday free," then she stomps her feet all the way to her room.
"Not exactly how I dreamed about my first date with Katniss Everdeen will come out…" I mutter to myself but Marvel hears me.
"Don't be picky Mellark, it's as good as it could have been. She is Katniss."
"You'll thank me on Thursday," Cato says, winking at me "Slightly forced, but she accepted anyway, right?"
"I will take whatever I can have. I have a date to plan." I answer.
As the week goes by, I realize that planning a date for Katniss it's a lot more complicated than I originally thought. Marvel is right, she is Katniss. I don't think she will be happy in a fancy restaurant, although she will definitely enjoy a good dinner.
I'm pretty sure she will hate, mostly what every other girl will love, I need to keep it simple.
I make reservations on "The cave", a cozy restaurant that has a private, romantic area, And there is a lake cross by that I know Kat will love to walk around; it'll be perfect for her.
I decided to wear a blue buttoned down shirt and a pair of tight jeans, those she just keeps staring at my ass whenever I wear them. I combed my hair and stole some lotion from Cato.
Johanna got here an hour ago, with Annie and a suitcase. I heard Katniss complains and huffs when I was dressing up myself.
"I hate dresses," her loud complains were heard to my room through the closed door.
"I don't give a shit brainless, you put this on or I will put it on you myself," Johanna threatens, I would be laughing if I wasn't so nervous.
I'm ready long before the hour. It feels so strange to be downstairs, waiting for my date in my own house, especially with an audience, They are all gathered in the living room. Making nothing to make things easy on me. I'm sure they're here to watch and make things as awkward as possible. Bastards.
At least they haven't brought the camera. Yet.
When Katniss is finally ready, I found myself trapped, itching to enjoy the exquisite view and not wanting to make her uncomfortable by ogling her on top on all the attention we're getting.
I try my best to keep my eyes on her flushed face, her smoky eyes and the way hair fells down is soft waves over her shoulders, just the way I like it.
I finally lose the battle and do a quick check over though, because, hey! I'm only human, but as soon as someone mentions in an overly emotional mocking voice, his desire to take a picture in order to capture this moment for the eternity, I take her hand and drag her out, completely forgetting the way the dress accentuates her curves.
I open the car door for her, I turn to the pilot seat as fast as I can because I know there's still the chance that they are watching through the window. I start the motor and drive.
"Sorry, but I had to get out of there."
"Don't be sorry, I was desperate too. They're awful."
I chuckle, "Yes, they really are."
I put some music and try to keep my eyes on the road but her bare legs are making it difficult.
Fortunately the place is not too far away. We get there and I help her out of the car.
"I've heard so much about this place," she softly says.
"Good choice then?" She nods, looking around.
I take her wrist to stop her from walking "Wait, please, let me look at you." I take the time to appreciate all the way up from her tanned legs and the short skirt of her green dress, to the way it clings to her tiny waist and her simple V neck shows just a little most cleavage that what she usually wears… "God Katniss, you're stunning."
She barely smiles as her cheeks turn scarlet "Thank you." She says with her eyes cast down.
I take my index finger to her chin and lift her softly "Please, don't be shy around me." I offer my arm to her and she willingly takes it.
Dinner is delicious and I have no words for the perfect girl sitting across me smiling shyly at pretty much everything I say. I also like that she isn't a just salad kind of girl, she asked for an enormous plate of lamb stew, and she would be finish it by herself if I haven't ask her for more than a few bites.
I ordered a bottle of wine and by the second cup I finally feel bold enough to tell her "I've dreamed of asking you out for so long Katniss."
She lifts her gaze to make eye contact with me, the air leaving my lungs at the eye contact "What stopped you?"
I snort "Seriously? You can be pretty intimidating."
"It's just a façade, you should have asked." She says nonchalantly.
"Yeah right. So you could have said no."
"Could have been fun." I shake my head not able to stop my smile. "You were with Glimmer, what did you expect?"
"I wasn't with her, and I never imagine finding you here in Panem; but no woman make me look at her twice since I saw you again."
"What a line."
I laugh "Meant every word."
She stares into my eyes, making my heart beats wildly, her pupils darken and an invisible force makes me start to lean my forehead to hers, she moister her lips while I lean closer to her in slow motion and she seems to be doing the same. I feel her soft, warm breath against my lips, and I'm about to get there and finally figure it out if they taste like the delicious wine she is drinking when the fucking waiter coughs handing me the check I asked a few minutes ago.
I could kill him right now. I clench my jaw, Katniss cheeks turn a bright shade of red and the moment is over.
We walk back to the car, enjoying the lake view, at some time I decide to stop being such a chicken and took her hand, feeling it burn against mine. When we get to the car, I open the door for her. She cups my cheek with one of her hands and I lean into her touch immediately "thank you Peeta, everything was perfect." She stands on her tiptoes, giving me a quick peck on the lips, getting in the car before I could react properly.
I stand there like an idiot with a goofy smile on my face.
When we arrive home I'm relieved to see that most of the guys are out.
It will be to awkward to say good bye to your date in your own house but we walk to our bedrooms hand by hand.
All the way up the stairs I've been talking to myself.
Are you letting her go like this?
You've kissed her before, she even kiss you tonight, don't be such a pussy Peeta!
All you have to do is take a step and…She interrupts my internal reprimand turning around, making me stop death on my tracks. She then takes my face between her hands pulling me to her abruptly. Her soft lips crash against my own. I'm surprised to say the least, and my heart is bumbing wildly but I will not waste this opportunnity. It takes me a couple of seconds at most to respond. I quickly place my hands over her waist pulling her possesively to me. Her sigh into my mind incite me further and I put one of my hands firmly to the back of her face so she doesn't even think about moving away. I put everything I got in this embrace and when I try to deepen the kiss, she readily reciprocates pulling at my hair hard.
I'm hard in no time and when she slightly rubs against me and I can't stop but moaning shamely. I try to slow things down, well, to my credit, I thought about it but who the hell I'm kidding right?
Dun, dun, dun... let me know if my "cliff-hanger" worked.
Thank you thank you for having so much patience with me. I will try to update sooner.
Thanks to my wonderful beta jgllove113 for helping me with this chapter.