The early morning brightness alights the bedroom and arouses my senses, every cell in my body aches with a passionate warmth. I lick my dry lips as my eyes roll around in their sockets, stretching and turning to my side. A cold foot touches mine and a smile spreads across my face.

Finnick.

My eyelashes flutter open, the light blinding me for a moment. Brow furrowed and breathing deep, he sleeps beside me. I nestle closer to his relaxed body and take in the exquisite view. I wonder what images play through his head as his eyes circle and dart from side to side. I don't recall my dreams from my slumber, although I'm sure they were as pleasant as the evening that led to them.

I lightly trace the back of my finger over his face, his stubble grazing my skin ever so slightly. He's real. He's really here. I press my lips lightly on his forehead and he moans a little, something that sounds like the letter V. I could get used to waking up like this, in a blissful bubble of raw passion and joy. How can I top two unforgettable nights with an unforgettable morning?

My eyebrow raises as a lucid thought sweeps my mind and I glance to the covers that conceal his groin. Could I make it four four at this time in the morning?

No, stop it. That can wait.

"How long have you been staring at me?" His voice is low and drowsy. I glance up and his one open eye glistens with a beautiful sleepiness.

"Can you blame me for admiring the view?" I whisper.

"Absolutely not." Finnick moans quietly and reaches out, pulling me closer to him and entwining his legs and arms with mine. He breathes deep and his eyes flitter all over me. "Am I still dreaming?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Just… Feels surreal that you're still here with me."

"Do you want me to pinch you?" I say with a slight laugh.

"Mmm, please don't. I ache enough as it is." His cool breath tingles over my lips and he massages the small of my back with his thumb.

"I've got just the remedy. How do pancakes sound?"

"Sounds just like you: perfect." I shake my head and nudge him gently as I laugh. A smile spreads wide across his face and his dimples light up my bedroom.

"Even with the morning breath?"

"Oh, especially with the morning breath."

"Want a taste?"

"I know you're trying to gross me out on purpose, but it won't work, V." He breathes deep as his lips press against mine. I will never get bored of the fireworks that explode in my head when we kiss.

"How was that?" I ask with a giggle.

"Absolutely delicious," he grins.

"Mmm, I'm glad you agree."

"What's the time?"

"Well, the suns due to come up soon so it's quite early, maybe too early for pancakes. We should probably get back to sleep."

"I've got a better idea," he purrs.

"Finnick, you've got to be careful with words like that."

"Venus Evander, you've got one dirty mind!" he chuckles, giving my ass a gentle squeeze. "Plenty of time for that later. If I recall correctly, you said the view of the sunrise up here is stunning."

"You remembered?" I ask, brow raised. He nods slightly and smiles. My lips press together and I feel my heart flutter in my chest. "I'd love nothing more than to watch the sunrise with you."

I kiss him briefly on the lips before breaking our divine closeness and getting out of bed. I make my way towards the terrace door and push the button to open it. A cool breeze tickles over my body and I hear Finnick move in the sheets behind me. I turn to look, to make sure he is following me, and I catch a glimpse of the flash.

"I couldn't resist," he says, lowering the camera back to the bed. I feel the heat begin to rise in my cheeks. "That view is just… Wow. A true work of art."

His legs swing out of the sheets and he takes the film that has appeared from the machine. He walks toward me slowly, the dim light of dawn dancing all over his tall tanned frame. His hair is a gorgeous auburn mess and his sleepy eyes twinkle in the predawn glow. The developed picture is presented to me and I bite my bottom lip. You can hardly see my face, only the deep crimson that remains on my lips, but the light and shadows enhance my figure, flattering the curves of my hips and breasts, the contours of my buttocks and the bounce in my blonde bed hair in a beautiful silhouette. I've never seen myself as the goddess he has proclaimed me to be; I'm fully aware of the cellulite and stretch marks I have, but in this moment, I am a marble statue of perfection. Sensuous and sensual and completely womanly.

"Can we swap?" he whispers as I gaze at the plastic, still enthralled by my own image. "As much as I love the picture we took last night, I much prefer this one."

"Of course," I reply. I let the plastic paper float to the floor and entwine my fingers with his, pulling him close to me. I nestle my face against his chest and breath deep.

"Are you okay?" he whispers, kissing the top of my head and resting his chin delicately there.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just… I really fucking love you."

"Look at you, throwing the L word around like that. Better be careful; I might start falling for you. Come on; as much as this view is absolutely stunning, I don't want to miss the sunrise."

He presses his lips lightly on my head again and I smile. I take him by the hand and lead him outside. The north east corner is set up very similarly to the south west one: plush pink sofas with my yoga mats rolled up neatly in a pile. The surface of the pool looks like glass, only rippling with a gentle gust of summer air. The sky is a bright navy blue with small fluffy clouds. The city below is silent, its residents deep in slumber for a while yet. Finnick looks out over the horizon and inhales deep.

"This is just…" he says, trailing off.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Absolutely. I will never forget this. Will it come up soon?"

"Yeah, not long now. If you sit there, you'll have a perfect view of it," I say, gesturing to a spot on the sofa I've sat in countless times before alone.

He makes himself at home on the rose velvet and I pull back the drawer beneath the sofa and grab a blanket. He smiles and invites me into his arms, relaxing my back against his naked chest and pulling the blanket over us. His arms wrap around me and he nestles his face into my neck, sending pleasurable shivers through me. In blissful silence, we sit, cuddled together, waiting for the moment the tiny ball of fire makes its way up to light another day.

"Do you come out here every morning then?" he asks quietly, careful not to disturb our divine closeness.

"Most mornings. I'll wake up, pop on some suitable clothing, roll out a mat and do some yoga for about half an hour, maybe some lengths in the pool after. It gets my heart going, stretches me out from my sleepy state and I feel ready for the day."

"No wonder you're so flexible," he purrs, kissing my neck. I smile to myself and give his hands a squeeze. "Maybe we can do it together one day. Go for a dip after."

"I'd love nothing more."

"I have no idea if I'll see you again, and yet, all I can think about is all the things we could do together. You know, when we were talking last night about you coming to 4, I just had this image in my head of us being on the beach with a blanket and candles and our skin all warm from the sun and salty from the sea." I turn to look at him, brow furrowed and heart fluttering all over the place "What's wrong, V?"

"I had that exact same thought," I say quietly.

His dimples form deep in his cheeks as he smiles wide. He gasps quietly and his pupils dilate with wonder and sparkle in the sunrise. His grip on my hands tightens and I look back over the horizon, the rippling yellow slowly rising from the distance. My whole body relaxes against him as the warmth radiates my face. Personally, I find sunrise the most magical. Sunset is beautiful, sure, but there's something about watching that tiny ball slowly making its presence known by flooding the world with its luster that is truly breathtakingly stunning.

"I can't remember the last time I felt like this," he murmurs.

"What do you feel, Finnick?"

"Safe. Like the world could just collapse around me and I'd be safe in this little bubble we have."

"That's the effect of the honeymoon period. I'm sure you'd be saying something different if we were living together."

"No, I think you're wrong," he says, feeling his jaw clench against my skin. "I don't have this anxiety in my chest that I have to watch every word I'm saying because I'm being watched. I don't feel like I have to put the strong man front I do back home to make Annie feel safe or the dream guy act I have in the Capitol to make all the women fall for me. I'm just…"

"A complete mess in a six-foot three-and-a-half-inch body."

"Precisely that," he says, laughing a little. "I think the last time I slept without waking up from a nightmare was after our first night together and I had the same restful sleep last night."

"Really?"

"Mhmm… One of the many internal scars from the Arena. I rarely get a decent night's sleep, usually tossing and turning and when I do get off, I'll undoubtedly wake up in the early hours."

"I'm sorry, Finn," I say, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I will never truly understand your trauma, but I'll try to."

"I don't expect you to; we are from completely different worlds, after all. But, just being here, being present and listening, is all I want and you don't even have to try to do it. You just do it. I just… I really fucking love you."

"God, look at us. Turning into a pair of soppy bastards," I say with a slight laugh. He softly chuckles behind me and I feel his body relax more. The sun begins to slowly climb higher in the sky, the dim cobalt turning into a bright baby blue with shimmers of orange and yellow.

"Tell me something I don't know about you," he whispers, his voice low and purring against my ear.

"There's a lot you don't know. Be specific."

"I don't know. About your family? About growing up here? Something."

I press my lips together and breathe deep. Where do I begin with the mess that is the Evander family?

"Well… I told you my mother left when I was quite young. She had an affair with the heir of a family who owned a tech company. My father used to make himself feel better about it by saying she was hooking up with District scum because apparently her lover's family were from District 3 and was granted citizenship here after siding with the Capitol in the Rebellion. Fuck, if he could see me now…" I feel Finnick laugh behind me and squeeze me a little before relaxing back into the sofa. "I say all of this like I come from a lowly background. In the grand scheme of Capitol society, I do because my father actually has a manual job rather than owning companies that leech off the District's. He's a dentist, restoring the mouths of the city to brilliant pearly whites after they're destroyed by drugs and over eating. He makes excellent money from it, but it was never enough to send us to the Academy. Although, he did try to get me in, probably because he saw something in me that my brothers didn't have, but still, couldn't afford the fees. My brothers were all set on staying in the family business, whereas I worked hard at a lesser school and got a scholarship to the University."

"Do you see them still?"

"Every six months for my check-up." I feel Finnick laugh a little behind me and I smirk. "I'm not even joking. My brothers are fiercely jealous of what I have achieved and resent me for it, so they keep me at arm's reach. We all had the same upbringing and opportunities; I was the only one who wanted more and acted on it."

"It does baffle me how fragile the male ego can be. I'd be so proud of my little sister if she was a bad ass scientist like you, not jealous. What about your father?"

"Oh, he's immensely proud of me. I see him as often as I can, but his pride won't allow him to let me treat him, won't even let me take him out to dinner. He still sees me as his little intelligent angel. I'm sure he would've gone down a dark route when my mother left if I wasn't there."

"He raised you well," Finnick mumbles. "Must be an outstanding man for you to be so independent and confident and unlike anyone I've ever met in this superficial city. I think I'd like to meet him."

"Oh, definitely not. He is hardworking and loving and great at listening and giving advice. But he's still a product of this city: proud, stubborn, judgemental, arrogant at times, fiercely patriotic. Even though he isn't wealthy in terms of Capitol society, he still thinks we're high above anyone from the Districts and stays up to date with all the latest gossip and trends like everyone else. The last time I saw my father was about two months ago and he had these red tattoos over his arms that changed colour in different temperatures. I'm sure when I see him next, he'll have something different done. I do often wonder how I turned out the way I did. I'm just me, I guess."

I feel deep breathing on the back of my neck and the tightness Finnick has on me loosen. I turn a little, careful not to disturb him. His eyes are closed, mouth slightly parted and deep in slumber. Bless him. I nestle back into his chest and look out over the horizon as the sun continues to climb higher.

Is it mad that I feel so much for someone I hardly know? It certainly feels like what I've read in cheesy romance novels when I was younger. I've always been the practical one, thinking with my head rather than my heart. I was that person all those years ago. I knew it would be hard to see him again and I wanted to keep that night as treasured memory. But my heart wanted him, needed him, and I feel whole with him here. Saying that, I never felt incomplete before last night. I am strong and independent and I live my life on my terms, but fuck, it feels so much better with him here, like the highest high of my life.

My stomach rumbles and my bladder is full, snapping me back into reality. Bathroom first before I make a start on breakfast. Carefully, I climb out from his embrace and bring the blanket up to his chest. He stirs, moaning quietly, and I freeze before quietly tiptoeing back inside.

I pull my hair up in a ponytail and grab my emerald bathrobe, tying it in a tight knot around my waist. The excitement of such a mundane task like making breakfast sends me skipping down the hall. I've always enjoyed doing things for other people: buying gifts that I know they'll love, sending flowers unexpectedly to colleagues and friends to brighten their day, the smile on someone's face when they try something I've made for them. The fact that it's for him, someone so special to me, just makes me even more excited.

I illuminate my bathroom mirror by waving over it. My face lights up in the brightness, the Capitol seal shimmering in the corner with the current time and temperature and a countdown until the Games begin. I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Capitol make-up truly is extraordinary. My lips are still plump and vivid red from my sexy scientist show and there isn't a blemish on my face. My mirror presents to me my little pill that stops me from getting pregnant. One day, I'll have children, but that day is definitely not today. I pop the pill and swallow hard.

The kitchen and living area is exactly as we left it last night, the remains of our late night feast still on the table by the sofa and my lab coat and glasses on the floor. I clear everything up and make a start on breakfast. Coffee made: cream and two sugar cubes for my guest and black for me. I keep it on a hot plate so it remains warm but I can still smell the delicious rich earthiness. Flour, milk, eggs, all out and ready to be mixed in a bowl.

"Well, isn't this just the perfect sight." His voice doesn't startle me. Instead, it makes me warm and I smile. I glance up and he's stood majestically with the blanket we were not long ago snuggled in tied daintily around his waist. "You weren't kidding about the pancakes."

"A special guest deserves a special breakfast," I say, my cheeks beginning to feel rosy. I crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk.

"You don't have to do anything special for me."

"I know, but I want to." I glance up and see him smiling broadly as he takes the mug of coffee I made for him, enjoying a sip with that beautiful dimpled grin still spread across his face. I add the eggy milk mix to the flour and stir gently. "Did you sleep well?"

"I'm sorry I drifted back off."

"It's okay, I know my story wasn't exactly exciting," I say, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Don't be silly. I heard every word, right down to you saying 'I'm just me, I guess', unless you carried on after that then I do apologise that it fell on sleeping ears."

"Nope. I was done with my little soliloquy then."

He puts his mug down and comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and nestling his face in the crook of my neck, distracting me from my mixing.

"I do have one complaint," he purrs into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Oh? And what's that?" I push the bowl to one side and rest my hands on his.

"You weren't there when I woke up."

"Oh no, I'm sorry. How can I ever make it up to you?"

"I'm sure I can think of something."

He kisses my neck softly, his lips alighting all the nerves in the body. I breathe deep and relax closer into his body as his kisses me all over my neck and ears.

"Is this okay?" he whispers before tracing his tongue faintly against my lobes. The sensation drives me crazy and I moan wildly, my body feeling weak and hot. I swallow hard and nod.

"You don't have to keep asking for consent," I say breathlessly.

"I like it when you say yes," he replies, his wonderful lips dancing over my skin, barely touching me and yet feeling so incredible.

"Yes, Finnick, a thousand times yes."

I feel him smile against my neck and his hands start to move up my body and he cups my breasts, his thumbs circling my hardening nipples over the silk. My head rolls back and I close my eyes, falling into the bliss he's giving me. He pulls back the fabric and the robe hangs delicately off my shoulders, my breasts exposed and desperate to be touched.

"So beautiful," Finnick whispers. I push him back a little with my butt and turn around slowly. His emerald eyes sparkle, not knowing exactly where to look, and his mouth parts slightly. He tugs lightly at the knot around my waist and the remaining fabric shimmers as it floats to the floor. "So fucking beautiful."

He takes me by the face and our lips crash in a passionate kiss, our tongues entwining in blissful synchronicity. I fling my arms around his neck as the fireworks in my head explode brighter and louder and my hunger for him is greater. I feel only pleasure and my heart is ready to explode from it. His teeth sink into my bottom lip and I groan, needing him more than I ever have.

"What do you want, Venus?" he says between frantic kisses. Fuck, it's like he's in my head.

"You. I need you," I moan, biting his bottom lip in retaliation. His face contorts as the snarl escapes his mouth.

"Five three is happening. Right now."

I'm lifted onto the kitchen counter, the cold marble slapping on my bare buttocks, and Finnick pushes my thighs back with an erotic forcefulness. He falls to his knees and pulls me by the hips, bringing my ass close to the edge so he is at perfect height. No teasing gazes or toying with my senses this time. His head is buried between my legs and his tongue laps at my essence with an animalistic hunger that sends a raw euphoria surging through me.

"Holy fuck," I moan loud.

My heart pounds furiously in my chest, pumping my body with adrenaline. My body is hot and tingling as his tongue swirls and circles my sweet pleasure spot. I climb higher and higher with each flick and suck, my legs twitching from the tension building between them. I run my hand through his hair, my grip tightening as his fingers slide inside me, moving them in time with his tongue. He knows exactly what I want and need, all of my wishes being granted by his mouth and fingers. He looks up at me, our eyes locked in hunger. There's a glint of determination in his eye, the desire to make me come harder than I ever have before glistening in the emerald. I want him and he wants me. I pant and moan, pouting and begging for relief. His tongue licks faster, his fingers press harder. I dig my nails deep into his scalp, holding onto the edge of the counter as I'm edged closer off it. Yes… yes…

"Oh fuck, yes!"

I fall into climax, twitching and convulsing as ecstasy floods through my body and out of it. He groans into the pleasurable contractions of my sex, nuzzling his wet face against me. Chest heaving, muscles twitching, numb and electric.

"You've made quite the mess," Finnick whispers, resting his head on my thigh and gazing at the wet folds with an enthralled look. He massages my thighs, the wetness from his fingers leaving a trail over them.

"I think…" I say breathlessly. "You made that mess."

He chuckles and looks up at me, still with that enthralled look in his eyes. His teeth sink into his bottom lip and he breathes deep.

"I think I could do that all day."

"Sure, if you want me to be a weak twitching puddle on the floor."

"Well, you would certainly create a puddle if I did," he says with a wink. I smile as I roll my eyes, finding some strength to sit up.

"You've definitely unlocked something in me. I've never squirted before, let alone twice."

"I've picked up a few tricks over the years. Being a prostitute isn't all bad," he says with a sad smile and jaded eyes. I cup his face in the palm of my hand and stroke his stubble with my thumb. I don't know what to say. I'll never know what to say. How can anyone ever love a prostitute? His words from that night echo in my mind.

I do, Finnick. I just do.

As if he can hear my thoughts, his face lights up and his kisses my thumb before standing up in front of me and wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing me passionately.

"I don't suppose you're still hungry after your little feast," I say as I pull back from his lips.

"Absolutely ravenous," he smiles.

He helps me off the counter and I steady myself on him for a moment, the blood rushing back to my extremities. He laughs as he wipes the thin layer of flour that's deposited on my ass, giving it a quick spank before I don my robe once more.

He helps me prepare breakfast: the two of us, half naked, laughing and joking. He makes a fruit salad whilst I stand at the hot plate as the bacon and pancakes sizzle away. Finnick fixes more coffee for the two of us and grabs plates and cutlery and sets the table. I catch glimpses of him smiling to himself as he carries out the seemingly mundane tasks and it sends flutters through me. He is calm and relaxed and completely at home. True happiness.

"Do you have anything exciting planned for the rest of your day?" he asks as we tuck in, sat together by the window as the morning passes by.

"Not really. I'll probably have a nap seeing as I haven't had much sleep and hope I don't get called into work. I'm off now until after they finish, but the Head Gamemaker could call me in for an emergency, although that's extremely unlikely. I plan everything down to a T."

"What have we got in store this year?"

"I shouldn't tell you."

"Come on, V, I thought you were on our side!" He chuckles, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Oh, I am! I just don't want to find out what happens if I got caught."

"Well, I think this is the perfect opportunity to test it."

I chew away at the delicious mouthful of pancakes, syrup and bacon and wash it down with coffee. Although he is still a stranger to me in many respects, I trust this man completely and realistically speaking, what's the likelihood that I would get found out?

"From the designs I've been asked to create with my team, I guess the Arena will be quite basic. I'm thinking a forest, with lots of trees and greenery. Nothing too extravagant in the scheme of things. They wanted some wasps that induce hallucinations when stung, an assortment of poisonous berries and wolf-like creatures."

"Hmm… You're right, that doesn't sound overly challenging. I'm guessing it's more to test their survival skills rather than fighting. I'll try and sway Marina into focusing on those stations in training, but from the conversations I've had with her about her progress in the Training Centre, I don't think she'll be that interested." He sees the panic on my face and reaches for my hand, stroking his thumb over my knuckles reassuringly. "Don't worry, it won't get back to you. I tell them every year to focus on the survival aspect and not just the different ways to slice and dice another kid. It usually falls on deaf ears though."

"Okay…" I say, smiling sweetly, squeezing his hand. "I'm sorry. I don't actually think you'd blurt out 'hey listen up, I know what the Arena will be like!' to your Tributes. I just…"

"No, I know. There is a risk and you want to be cautious, for your own safety. Snow is smart enough to join the dots together that could lead back to you. But I'm clever, V, and I'm very good at keeping secrets. Honestly, if that man knew half of what I knew, he'd be having kittens. Lots of them."

"God, I'd love to see that," I laugh. His dimpled grin makes an appearance and he finishes off eating. "Thank you, though. I needed the reassurance."

"You don't need to thank me, V. I trust you completely, and I want you to trust me too."

"Can you tell me one of these secrets then?"

"Ooo," he says, leaning back and running a hand through his hair. "What sort of secret?"

"Something about the big man himself."

"Where do I begin?" he chuckles. "Snow's early years were quite tragic by all accounts. Sure, he comes from a very wealthy family with all this power and status within society, but his early years were anything but wealthy. Lost both of his parents quite young and all the money he had was gone. All he had was his name and he had to be smart to get by, often resorting to the black market to clothe himself."

"No?! Really?! I just assumed he was the stereotypical Capitol elitist and got everything he wanted."

"Well, he is, because he has got everything he wanted. He's used his charm and manipulated everyone around him to get on top. Not only that but he's killed countless people he saw as a threat."

"He's a complete fucking psychopath, isn't he?"

"Oh, 100%," he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"Don't worry; your secret is safe with me."

"I know, V. I trust you with my life."

His words send flutters through me and makes my heart race. I reach forward and hold his hand, giving it a tight squeeze. A soft smile rests delicately on his lips and he squeezes back.

"I…" he starts, his face solemn.

"I know," I whisper, my breath hitching in my throat as I speak. I swallow hard and put on a brave face. "You've got to go."

"I'm sorry," Finnick whispers back.

"Don't be."

"I've still got some time. I'll help you clean up and we can grab a shower together."

"You still want to do that?"

"And miss out on the chance of seeing your heavenly body all wet and soapy? Abso-fucking-lutely not."

I erupt in a fit of giggles and his dimpled grin sprawls across his face. He gives my hand another squeeze and I breathe deep. He clears the empty plates from the table and puts everything in the dishwasher. I clean up the thin layer of flour and splats of batter on the kitchen counter, making the black marble sparkle in the morning sun. He stands at the window leading out to the terrace, looking out over the city that's starting to wake up. The light hits his body in a heavenly way, the auburn in his hair shimmering like honey. If only I had my camera to hand.

I creep up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist, letting my head rest on his back. He takes my hands and turns around, holding me tight against him. He inhales deep and kisses my head before pulling back.

I take him by the hand and lead him to the bathroom. Still illuminated by my mirror, the ticking timer until the Games flashing away in the corner, I turn the shower on and the room fills with steam that smells of raspberries. I pull my hair out of the pony tail, running my hands through my scalp. I slip out of the bathrobe, tossing the emerald fabric to one side and walking into the stream of hot water. I look up, letting the magical water wash away the remains of my make-up, swirls of black and red and orange circling down the drain. I look to Finnick, who is stood, staring at me.

"Well? Aren't you joining me?" I ask, holding my wet hand out. His teeth sink into his bottom lip and removes the blanket from his waist. He takes my hand and joins me under the steaming waterfall.

"I think I like you even more without the make-up," he says, holding the small of my back. The water bounces off my body onto his, rolling down the contours of his chest in delicate beads.

"Oh, so we've gone from loving me to just liking me, eh?"

He rolls his eyes dramatically, giving my ass a cheeky squeeze.

"You know exactly what I meant," he purrs.

"Want to do my back?"

He swallows hard and nods. I turn around slowly and he presses a button on the wall for shower gel. The scent of coconut fills my nostrils as his fingers work their way into my back. My eyes roll back into their sockets as pure ecstasy and relaxation surges through my body. His hands travel slowly all over my body, massaging my neck, my shoulders, down to my buttocks and up my chest. I wash the bubbles off and his fingers work in my scalp, the coconut aroma being replaced by tropical shampoo. A quiet moan escapes my mouth as he works his fingers into a lather. Pure and gentle. Intimate and passionate. Tantalising all sensations with circular motions in my hair. I tilt my head back and allow the shampoo to wash out. He conditions the ends of my locks and I turn around to face him.

"Your turn," I say, pulling him towards the steaming waterfall.

He looks up to the stream, allowing it to flood his body, and faces away from me. I press the same button for shower gel and work it into the small of his back. My hands shake ever so slightly as they travel up his spine. He lets out a sigh, his body tensing and relaxing under my touch. He turns to face me and allows me to work my fingers into his chest. I go down to my knees and massage up his thighs, feeling them tense under my touch.

I allow the water to rinse off the bubbles and trail my finger delicately over his thigh and groin, circling the tattoo of my lips by his hip. He moans quietly and his manhood begins to harden. My eyes glaze over with desire for him and I begin to kiss his thighs. He holds me by my wet hair, entwining his fingers in my conditioned locks as my lips wrap around his member.

"Holy fuck," he sighs.

I switch from fast to slow, hard to soft, pleasing him with my lips, my tongue, grazing my teeth over the sensitive skin ever so gently. I grip onto his toned buttocks to steady myself, my mouth relentless with wanting to please him. His body twitches, small quiet moans escaping his mouth. I look up at him as my tongue licks and flicks.

"Holy fuck," he pants. "Such a good view."

I give him a cheeky wink and smile and his grip on my head tightens, pressing me down so I feel him at the back of my throat. You have no idea how much this turns me on: being in charge; knowing that he was like clay in my hands and I could do anything. I could give him what he wanted or I could slow down and make him wait longer for release. My lips smother every inch of him, concentrating on hearing his sweet moans. His body tenses up more under the pressure of my hard sucks and I start to slow down.

"No, don't stop," he cries. I smirk and carry on pleasuring him as best as I can with my lips. His body tenses up and I can hear his breathing stop. I glance up and his eyes are closed, his teeth digging dip into his bottom lip. He twitches in my mouth and… "Oh fuck, V!" the taste of his orgasm fills my mouth and slides down my throat. I pull back and watch his eyes sparkle with euphoria and slowly come back to reality.

"Was that-?"

"Don't…" Finnick says, swallowing hard. "You know that was good."

"Oh, come on. Stroke my ego for a change," I laugh. He glances down to me and breathes deep.

"That was… mind-blowingly spectacularly amazingly fucking good. Happy?"

"Absolutely delighted," I reply with a grin. He offers his hand and helps me get up to my knees, careful not to slip under the water. He pulls me closer to him and kisses me deeply.

"I swear you don't have a gag reflex," he says against my lips, laughing slightly.

"As I've said, one of my many talents. There's just something about your moans; they're like a drug to me, make me want to give you the most earth-shattering orgasms. And yet, I still owe you."

"Mmm… Five four now. Next time, V."

"Next time," I smile. "As much as this is incredibly hot, we should probably get out soon or we'll turn into prawns."

He nods in agreement. I rinse out the remaining conditioner and turn the shower off, stepping out onto the drying mat that sends an electric pulse through me that leaves my body and hair completely dry, the bounce returning to my blonde locks. I programme the mirror to present me with two toothbrushes and give him one. Side by side, we brush our teeth, catching glimpses of each other in the reflection. Robe in one hand, a dry Finnick in the other, I lead him back to my bedroom to get dressed. The flutters of excitement I've had the whole time he's been here are replaced by a sad sickness in the depths of my stomach.

"There you go," I say, pressing the wardrobe panel to reveal his freshly cleaned suit from last night as well as some shorts and a shirt for me.

"Thank you," he says quietly. I glance up at him, our eyes locking for a brief moment of pain as we know what each other is thinking. I grab some underwear and quickly dress, unable to look at him. I frantically find my NicStick in my robe pocket and head out onto the terrace.

I inhale the raspberry vapour deeply, a calmness shrouding over me within seconds that stops the twitching in my leg. I look out over the horizon and continue to puff away. The city is well and truly alive now, everyone out in their most colourful outfits. How can I go back to that once the bubble bursts?

"Do you think I could have some of that?"

I glance to the side of me and there he stands, fully dressed and completely handsome, putting his watch back on his wrist. I pass him the NicStick and he inhales deep, giving it back. I take another deep drag and allow the nicotine to consume me as I look out over the balcony edge.

"Don't say good bye," I blurt out. "Please. I just… I can't hear those words."

"Of course. If it helps, I wasn't going to anyway." I glance to him and feel the tears begin to fill my eyes. "Oh, V, please. It's okay."

He pulls me close to him and holds me in a tight embrace. I nestle my face in his chest and breath deep, forcing the tears back. No, I will not fucking cry. He pulls back and holds my face in his hands, massaging his thumb reassuringly.

"You came into my life in a flurry of red that night and I was so convinced it was a dream. But here you are, completely real. If I could meet the person who matched us, I'd never be able to thank them enough. And who knows, maybe you're right. Maybe fate is real and it guided you to make that decision to reach out to me. Either way, I am so happy that this happened and… I can't wait to see you again."

He presses his lips to mine and kisses me with all the passion in his heart. I kiss back deeply, feeling the fireworks explode in my head one last time. A calmness washes over me, not from drugs this time, but from the knowledge that this isn't over. Oh no, not yet.

I pull back and entwine his fingers with mine, leading him back inside and to the door.

"Have you got everything?" I say as he stands in front of me, holding onto my hands for dear life. "Watch, wallet, that incredible picture of me."

"Can't forget that now, can I? Don't worry; it's safely tucked away. No one's seeing that," he says, gesturing to his blazer pocket with his head. "Have you got yours?"

"Oh, I'm sure I'll find it in my room later."

He smiles, that dimpled grin making a welcome reappearance. He leans in and plants a delicate kiss on my cheek.

"I'll see you soon, Venus Evander. No masks again. You and me. Together."