Prompt : Prompt based on this "In polite society, a kiss is never just a KISS."
A Kiss Is Never Just A Kiss
Haymitch never kisses her in public.
Never.
Even after the war, even after she came to live in Twelve with him and the children, their relationship is kept in a not so secret bubble inside their house. The children know they are an item, naturally, they don't need to make out in front of them for that to be obvious. The way his hand sometimes falls at the small of her back when they walk, the way they stand close to each other, the way they can share a glance and reach an agreement without even talking... They have this easiness most old couples have.
But public displays are not something they do.
It's a habit ingrained in their brain since the Games : hide at all cost what could be considered a weakness and used against you or your partner, protect yourself, protect them. The rebellion had not been enough to break this habit and they're old now anyway, too old to do the things Peeta and Katniss did so naturally and they had always been denied like simply hold hands in public. It would be ridiculous. Effie is still very much self-conscious and Haymitch hates displaying his emotions for everyone to see.
And so, she is surprised when he plants a kiss on her lips in the middle of the square, in the middle of the day, when people are passing by or staring depending on the kind they are. It's a short kiss. She barely has time to recognize the familiar itch of his stubble against her skin that it is gone.
There is a satisfied smirk on his lips when he draws back.
Effie's eyes dart around out of habit even though she knows no one is really paying them any attention and those who do are more likely muttering insults and curses against the surviving escort than busy commenting on their love life.
"What was that for?" she asks, completely flabbergasted.
"Wouldn't want your new boyfriend to get any idea." he shrugs, giving a brief nod toward the man tending the brand new flower shop. He is a Capitol who has recently moved in and she has been trying to make him feel welcomed. She rolls her eyes, having several times stated how ridiculous Haymitch's jealousy is, but she can't deny she likes his possessiveness anyway. It's good to know he cares.
"And a peck on my lips marks your territory?" she scoffs. "Cheap brand."
"In polite society a kiss is never just a kiss." he declares, lifting his eyebrows in an open challenge.
"Quoting me, now, are we?" she grins. "Will wonder ever cease today?"
She bumps her shoulder with him and looped her arm around his as they start walking again. When he leans in to whisper in her ear, she is not exactly surprised but she can't help the automatic shiver.
"I will brand you when we're home, sweetheart." he promises. "You neck is begging to be bitten."