#Happy birthday keelaree! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jlalafics · 3 years

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"The Long Weekend"-Part One

Happy belated birthday @keelaree!

Hope you enjoy this first part. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my writing life, and an even better friend. Can't wait till we can reunite in SF, so we can tea time together and eat soup dumplings.

Love you!

Summary: Two assistants who barely tolerate each other. One snowy cabin. One very long weekend.

Oh, and one bed.

-----

“I’m making the turn now, Haymitch,” Peeta told his boss as he navigated the icy road. “Should have everything prepped and ready by the time you and Effie arrive.”

“Thanks,” Haymitch replied over the speakerphone. “I should tell you that I did ask for someone to help you out. Someone who knows Effie better than I do sometimes—”

Peeta slowed his car as he spotted the cozy cabin in front of him. However, he grimaced seeing the red Jeep already parked on its side.

“You didn’t.”

“Peeta, Katniss knows Effie very well,” his boss said calmly. “Just like you know me. I know that you two don’t get along—”

“Understatement of the year,” Peeta replied as he parked roughly.

“This is important. I’m proposing to Effie and I want it to be perfect,” Haymitch explained. “Katniss knows all the foods she likes to eat, and how to decorate the place to make it comfortable yet romantic. Effie and I are finishing up our meeting with Mr. Snow then we’ll be making our way up to the cabin for the holiday weekend. I’ll call you when we’re on our way so you and Katniss can take off—that is if you haven’t murdered one another by then.”

“I’m only doing this because I’m your assistant,” he called out.

“You could at least like me!” Haymitch joked. “I pay you an obscene amount for an assistant.”

“Katniss probably gets paid more.”

“Well, she picks up tampons for Effie without being asked so probably.”

“Everything will be ready by the time you get here,” Peeta promised. “And I’m doing this because I like and respect you.”

“Thank you, Peeta. Call you soon.”

++++++

Peeta Mellark sighed as he stepped out of his car, bags in hand. The snowy wind picked up and he wrapped his parka tighter around himself before rushing up to the porch. It was getting worse up here, and he hoped that the soon-to-be engaged couple would make it safely.

Getting out the key that Haymitch lent him, Peeta unlocked the door and quickly stepped in to keep the cold air from entering with him.

“Oh, you’re finally here.” Katniss Everdeen sailed into the room, placing a charcuterie board on the coffee table in the center of the sitting room. “I thought you died or something.”

Peeta gave her a wry smile, placing the bags on the floor before shaking off his parka and hanging it on the hook by the door.

“Thought or hoped?” He searched his bag before pulling out the champagne that Haymitch asked along with the two glasses. Going to the table, Peeta placed them on the table before going back to the bag for the champagne bucket. “Is there ice?”

“The fridge has an ice machine,” Katniss informed him tersely, nodding her head towards the left. “I’ve already gotten their dinner started.”

“Not surprised.” Peeta walked into the kitchen, heading to the stainless-steel fridge. “You’re so anal that you’ve probably carved those little radish flowers for garnish.”

“They’re in the fridge so they’ll be fresh.”

Peeta wasn’t sure why they didn’t get along.

For one, Katniss was admittedly attractive with her long dark, and almond-shaped grey eyes. The first time he saw his stomach had definitely done a little flip. She had been walking alongside Effie, notebook in hand, wearing a fitted black dress with a peter pan collar and paying scant attention to anything else around her.

She literally knocked him to the ground.

Katniss had apologized, holding out her hand to help him up.

And Peeta had fucking tingled at her touch.

Over the next few days as he learned the ropes of being Haymitch Abernathy’s assistant, Peeta noticed her across the hall. Effie Trinket’s office was directly adjacent to his boss’ and Katniss’ desk was in the same spot as his.

She kept her head down, never acknowledging him, so wrapped up in her work or answering her phone.

So, Peeta asked around.

“She’s an ice queen,” Cato, who was in Marketing, informed him. “Never wants to hang out with anyone or even join in during happy hour. It’s important here to form relationships with everyone. Panem Industries is all about workplace harmony and Katniss embodies none of that.”

“Yeah, she’s snooty, too,” Clove from IT added. “I once asked her something about her family and she replied that it was none of my business. Like I was just trying to get to know her!”

“Wow. I guess if Katniss is that much of a head case, then I shouldn’t bother to ask her for help,” he told the two.

After that, during any interaction, she treated him indifferently…cold even. Peeta couldn’t help but be disappointed that Cato and Clove’s words were true.

And that was the end of his fascination with Katniss Everdeen.

“You want to get out here and help me or was the ice machine too hard for you to maneuver?” Katniss suddenly called out.

Peeta quickly filled the bucket and stepped out.

Katniss was bent over the couch, arranging the pillows, and he felt a heat rush through his skin.

There was also the slight twinge in his crotch at seeing a firm apple-bottom in tight ski pants.

It seemed that Katniss Everdeen had a bigger effect on him than he realized.

++++++

Peeta Mellark had a huge effect on her.

Katniss struggled to keep the heat off her cheeks as she fixed the pillows that she bought for the cabin. Effie loved those cheesy sayings, so she went on Etsy and ordered custom-made pillows with her favorite quotes.

No one should spend so much time arranging pillows, but Katniss could feel his stare on her. It made her nervous…and tingly.

However, these feelings didn’t belong—especially in a work situation and she needed this job.

Taking a breath, Katniss turned…to find Peeta right behind her.

He jumped back, startled by her abrupt movements.

Whoa—was he checking her out?

“Why were you so close?” she blurted out.

“Sorry. It looked like you were confused about how pillows worked,” he replied, rolling his eyes. “You were there for a millennium.”

“Funny.” She sighed at the amusement in his gorgeous blue eyes—stop it!—and steeled her expression. “Do you think you could help me set up this romantic dinner for our bosses instead of standing there like an ass-licker?”

“You mean asshole.”

“I stand by my words,” Katniss replied and was surprised when he chuckled, his eyes crinkling as he did. She couldn’t help but let her mouth rise. “The table is in that closet next to the door. I got some table linens from a vintage shop that Effie likes last week.”

“Wow, you’re really on top of it,” Peeta remarked, going to the closet. “How do you have time for a life?”

She didn’t.

As in, Katniss didn’t have a life.

She had work, she had a home, but a social life was non-existent. Katniss knew what everyone said about her; that she was cold and distant, never wanting to be part of the team. It never bothered her because she did have her reasons.

So, she was surprised at how hurt she was when she heard Peeta call her a headcase.

Katniss hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, only passing the breakroom to get to the copy machine. However, she stopped at the mention of her name.

Cato’s words were no surprise, though he failed to mention that her iciness was due to him inappropriately putting his arm around her and telling her that they should get to know each other on a personal level. Katniss also didn’t trust Clove for shit; she was the office gossip.

It hit hard to know that the one person who had made her tingle was so easily influenced by two douchebags.

Katniss had decided, then and there, that if Peeta didn’t see past her exterior, then he must be like the rest of them.

“I’m very organized,” she replied. It came out harder than she intended. “I have to be.”

Peeta had already set up the table in front of the fireplace.

“Well, it’s in your favor,” he told her. “You’re a good assistant.”

Katniss looked up in surprise. “You think I’m a good assistant?”

Peeta snorted. “Like you didn’t know it—where are the tablecloths?”

She handed him a beautiful fuchsia tablecloth followed by a cream lace one.

“Fuchsia first then layer it with the lace,” she told him. “I always hope I am. Effie is a great boss and she’s so supportive about work-and-homelife balance. I want to make sure this is all perfect for her.”

Katniss helped Peeta straighten the cloth, smoothing it down and making sure that there were no wrinkles. They settled into a light conversation about working with their respective bosses while setting the rest of the table. While Peeta worked on the place settings, he told her about how he admired Haymitch’s down-to-earth attitude despite being one of the most successful people in the company.

She arranged the florals in the center of the table while telling him how she had worked two jobs prior to getting this one.

“I was a waitress and housekeeper before this,” she revealed. “I was working a crazy lunch rush when I met Effie. We got to talking because she noticed how I met her coffee exactly the way she liked it despite my ragged expression—her words not mine. Effie kept on coming in, and a month after we met, she offered me the assistant job. Said she like my gumption.”

“That’s really cool,” Peeta said. He set down one of the forks he was cleaning and met her eyes. “You know, this is the first time we’ve really talked. I kind of believed you thought of me as your enemy.”

“I thought the same thing.” Katniss placed a folded napkin on the plate in front of her. “You called me a head case.”

His blue eyes widened, shocked at her words. Slowly, she could see in his eyes, the memory of his words.

“I didn’t know you heard that,” he said quietly. “I didn’t mean it and I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine!” Katniss stood up abruptly. The pain of his words churned in her stomach. “I know that everyone talks about me. In my defense, Cato was completely inappropriate when we first met. I thought acting like a bitch would stave him off. Clove has no filter—”

Peeta’s brows furrowed at her sudden coldness.

“I realize that now—one year later…is that why you completely ignore me? Why you act like the sight of me makes you sick?”

“I do not!” Katniss cried out into the room. “You avoid me at all costs!”

“Because the one time that I attempted to ask you a question—you brushed me aside!” he shouted. “If you had bothered to talk to me, I wouldn’t have believed what people said in the first place—” Peeta’s phone rang, and he quickly picked up, seeing his boss’ face on his screen. “Haymitch? You on your way? What? No, I haven’t looked outside—”

Katniss rushed to one of the front windows, pulling back the curtain.

White everywhere.

She couldn’t even see her car and it was bright fucking red!

“They’re not coming.”

Turning, Katniss found Peeta putting his phone in his pocket as he approached.

“The snowstorm came unexpectedly, and the roads are blocked. They’re staying at Effie’s to wait it out while we…are stuck here until it passes.”

++++++

The good thing was that the house was fully equipped. Food was stocked in the fridge since the couple had planned to stay for the long weekend. Both he and Katniss had even brought Haymitch and Effie’s luggage so there had clothing.

“Well, dinner must be ready,” Katniss informed him with a sigh. “If you want to get more comfortable, you can probably change to something of Haymitch’s. I have a call to make before my phone dies and then I’ll pull the food out of the oven.”

Peeta nodded numbly, grabbing Haymitch's duffle and going to the opposite open door where the bedroom was. He tossed the bag on the bed—

The one bed.

Turning, he rushed out of the room to look for his female counterpart. “Katniss!” He found the sitting room empty and headed into the kitchen.

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” she spoke quietly into the phone. “Just be nice to Johanna, okay? I’ll be home soon.” Her voice sounded completely different, light and happy—even affectionate. “I love you, too. Good night.”

He knocked on the archway and she turned to him.

“We have a problem,” he told her. “There’s only one bed.”

“And the couch is really just a loveseat,” Katniss mused as she pulled the food—steak with roasted asparagus and potatoes. Her expression was pained, and she blew out a breath. “I don’t really want to think about this right now. Why don’t we just eat?”

Peeta quickly nodded in agreement, rushing to the sitting room, and grabbing their plates.

“Why don’t you let me set this up?” he told her, seeing how frazzled she seemed. “Have a seat. Open the champagne—”

Katniss laughed and the sound of her lightened the load on his chest.

“You trying to get me drunk, Mellark?”

Peeta smirked. “If it makes you like me, then yes.”

“Fine, fine…” Katniss sauntered off towards the doorway. She stopped at the archway and their eyes met. Her gaze was nervous, but he could see the warmth in her greys. “You’re not my enemy, Peeta. And…I like you more than you think.”

Katniss disappeared, but not before he spied the blush on her cheeks.

Peeta felt another twinge. This time—in his chest.

++++++

Instead of sitting at the table, Katniss grabbed Effie’s luggage, a classic Louis Vuitton that cost more than her old Jeep, and brought it to the bedroom.

The one bedroom. With the one bed.

A sudden image of herself spooned contentedly against Peeta in that very bed rose in her mind—

“Stop tripping off him!” she chided herself.

Distractedly, Katniss opened the bag, sorting for something remotely comfortable in her boss’ luggage. However, it looked like Effie was expecting some sort of kinky weekend. The only sleepwear she had was a tiny red number that Katniss would probably bust out of; Effie was a tiny but fierce woman.

Maybe she could borrow something from Haymitch’s pile—

“Katniss?”

“I’m coming!” she called out before stuffing Effie’s lingerie back into the back.

Walking back into the room, Katniss saw that Peeta had already placed the plates on the table. He stood waiting for her, looking obnoxiously handsome as he had the day they met.

That first time, she had knocked him to the ground so caught up in following with Effie’s rapid pace. When Katniss held out her hand to him, she was caught up in the open smile he gave her. Then it was the gold waves along his forehead, which Katniss desperately wanted to brush back and the blue of his eyes—they had a tinge of grey in them.

For a moment, she was just a girl, and he was just a boy. Peeta didn’t know anything about the rumors of her iciness or how someone like her, with no college degree, managed to get a position like hers.

In that moment, Katniss was pure.

“You alright?” Peeta asked, interrupting her moment down memory lane.

“Yes.” She let him help her into her seat. “I was just thinking about something.”

“Was it the one bed thing?” he joked. “I’m fine with sleeping on the floor—”

Katniss held her hand up. “Let’s be grownups. It’s a big bed and we can put a pillow between us.”

“Very to the point,” Peeta replied, holding up his champagne glass. “To being grown-ups.”

“To being grown-ups.” She clinked her glass to his and took a full gulp. The liquid bubbled through her, making her laugh. “Wow, that’s some good shit.”

Peeta guffawed. “We’re going to have some fun.”

END OF PART ONE

#Happy birthday keelaree!#The Long Weekend #Everlark #everlark fanfiction #there was only one bed

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jlalafics · 9 years

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“The Reason”--an Everlark birthday present for keelaree

otpprompts:

Person A is a single parent whose life is very busy with their full time job and their child(ren). Person B is someone they’ve known for a long time and they are very close and Person B is good at helping out with Person A’s child. One day, Person A’s child announces to Person A that Person A is in love with Person B. (Bonus: Person B is currently in another relationship. Possibly with Person C)

Happy birthday, keelaree—my darling pre-reader and friend! I hope this brings a smile to your face on your special day.

Summary: “Uncle Peeta,” Luke said through his tears, his eyes squarely on the man in front of him. “Mom is in love with you.”

After thirteen years, Peeta Mellark finally hears the truth.

Fluff and nothing but fluff.

----------------

“Let me help you with that,” Peeta said as he took the boxed cake from his date. “Once I introduce you to everyone, you’re likely to get mauled.”

Delly turned to him, her blonde curls bouncing as she did. Her blue eyes were lined with concern.

“Who exactly will be here?” she asked. Delly let out a nervous giggle. “I just want to be prepared.”

“Well, this is my friend, Katniss’ house,” he explained as they stepped onto the long porch. “I’ve known her as well as her ex-husband, Gale, since we were kids. I’m even Godfather to their daughter, Arianna. They got divorced a little over year ago—and it’s been hard on her kids.”

“Kids?” Delly repeated in surprise.

“Luke is their son,” Peeta continued. “He’s thirteen—had him right in the middle of our senior year.” Knocking on the door, he sighed to himself. “They were just too young, I guess. And, Gale—his eyes always wandered…”

His date turned to him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“UNCLE PEETA!”

The dark-haired girl rushed from the open door into his strong arms and he lifted the six-year-old to press a kiss to her round cheeks. His chest constricted seeing the beautiful child that reminded him so much of her mother; he could almost see the same girl who he met in Kindergarten.

“Ari—you’re getting so big!” he exclaimed affectionately. “What is your mother feeding you?”

“We’ve been eating nothing but the cheese buns you keep sending and popcorn.”

A lanky boy with tousled, dark hair rushed down the entryway stairs, a bright smile on his face. Peeta pulled him into an embrace.

He could still remember the day that Katniss gave birth to Luke.

Gale was at an overnight football game for their school, Panem High, when his best friend had gone into labor. They were eating ice cream on his front porch and she had dropped her cone when her water broke.

He must’ve violated a million moving violations driving Katniss to the hospital.

But, watching Katniss bring a new life into the world was one of the most beautiful things he had ever witnessed.

Peeta had fallen in love with Luke, the moment he heard the robust cry from the tiny baby.

“Your mother is not that bad of a cook,” he told the boy.

“It’s been about 60/40,” Luke replied with a smirk. “Mom is in the kitchen with Uncle Finnick and Aunt Annie, attempting to make something. God help us all!”

There was a small cough and Peeta realized that he had completely forgotten that Delly was standing there. He turned to see Ari staring up at his date, who blushed uncomfortably, at the girl’s penetrating stare.

Another trait from her mother.

“Ari, Luke,” Peeta began with an encouraging smile. “This is Delly Cartwright.”

Luke gave the woman a once-over and after a little push from Peeta, shook her hand.

“Hey,” he mumbled as he stared at the ground. “I’m going to let Mom know that you’re here...”

Luke rushed awkwardly down the hallway to the kitchen.

Peeta turned to Delly. “Sorry. Teenagers.”

Delly gave him a nod and he placed his hands on Ari’s shoulders to lead her to the woman.

“And, this is my Goddaughter, Arianna Lorelai Hawthorne,” he introduced the young girl with pride. “Ari, this is Miss Delly Cartwright.”

“She looks like your sister,” his Goddaughter innocently replied. “Are you related?”

Peeta flushed at Ari’s words—she had her father’s bluntness.

Gale had never been one to beat around the bush.

He had not even bothered to lie to Peeta when he had confronted his best friend’s husband about where he would disappear to after work. It had been the worst moment of his life when he had to tell Katniss that her husband had fallen in love with one of his co-workers—his boss’ secretary and daughter, Madge Undersee.

“No,” Delly told her with a weak smile. “We’re…” She looked to Peeta for confirmation.

Thankfully, Peeta didn’t have to answer as the rest of the group rushed into the entryway.

“Peeta!” Finnick ran over to him and gave him a hug. The two had been friends since they were made lab partners in high school—and almost burnt the place to the ground. “It feels like forever!”

“I’m not the one who’s been traveling the world,” Peeta told him.

Finnick was a photographer for a lifestyle magazine and was often away on long trips with his editorial team.

“Seriously, one day we’re really going to settle down and pop out kids,” the long-haired brunette, next to his friend, said. She kissed Peeta on the cheek. “Hello, my friend.”

“Hello, gorgeous,” Peeta greeted Annie Odair née Cresta.

Annie had been a cheerleader, alongside Katniss, and Peeta’s partner in Home Economics—where they had almost burnt down the school.

Now that he thought about it—his friendships always seemed to revolve around fires.

He quickly introduced Delly to the couple, ignoring Finnick’s side-eye as he did.

Peeta already knew he was going to hear an earful from his friend. Finnick always had strong opinions on how Peeta’s life was supposed to go. His friend thought that Peeta could do better than his family’s bakery, that he was wasting his artistic talent on cakes, and that he always sold himself short.

Because Finnick believed that if Peeta had only had enough balls, it wouldn’t have been Gale that Katniss ended up with.

It would’ve been hi—

“It’s about damn time you got here,” a voice whispered in his ear and he took in the scent of wildflowers.

Spinning around, Peeta found himself face to face with his best friend, Katniss.

Thirteen years had passed since high school but she still looked every bit the teenager that he remembered hanging out with on his front porch. Her hair was plaited in a single braid down her back showing off her slim figure and rich olive skin. It was hard to believe the woman in front of him wearing the fitted jeans and flow-y top was a mother of two.

Without a second thought, he pulled her into his arms and lifted her off the ground.

Katniss chuckled; her throaty laugh causing a warmth to fill his body.

“It’s nice to see you, too,” she said quietly. “Now, introduce me to Delly—because she looks about ready to run screaming.”

Placing her down, Peeta took her hand and led over to Delly who had been speaking to Annie—though the woman’s eyes had firmly remained on him during his reunion with Katniss.

“Delly, this is my best friend, Katniss Everdeen,” he said to the woman. “Katniss, this is Delly.”

Katniss went to Delly and gave her a hug. “It’s really nice to meet you.” Delly’s eyes widened at the gesture and as they pulled away, his friend linked arms with his date. “Let me get you a drink.” Katniss looked to him and winked. “I don’t know how much Peeta has told you, but we can be a crazy bunch.”

++++++

Stepping out onto the porch, Peeta listened to the voicemail on his cell. His father had called and left the daily reports for the bakery. He also reminded Peeta that the flour shipment was coming in the next morning.

Hanging up, Peeta turned to go back inside and was surprised to find Luke stepping out onto the porch.

“Mom wanted me to tell you that there’s ice cream.” The teenager gave him a smile. “She’s force-feeding Delly and telling her stories about your high school days. Is it really true that you played the school mascot and face planted in front of the whole school?”

“Yeah.” Peeta chuckled as the memory came back to him. “Your mom convinced me to dress up as the Panem High Woodchuck, but she didn’t mention that I’d have to do a backflip.”

“Mom was that persuasive?”

Luke sat on the porch steps and Peeta joined him. It was rare that he got to really talk to Luke without anyone else around and it had been the hardest on the young man after the divorce.

“Maybe I’m just a sucker for grey eyes like hers,” Peeta told him. “And Ari’s…and yours, too.”

“But, not Dad,” Luke stated sadly. “You saw who he was before anyone else did.”

Peeta looked at the teenager in concern. “What do you mean?”

“They used to fight about you sometimes,” the boy said as he looked out at the front yard. “That Mom depended on you more than she depended on Dad. It’s just as well—he was never home when we needed him.”

“Have you talked to your father lately?” Peeta asked gently.

Luke nodded, resting his chin on his knees.

“He wants to introduce me to her.” Peeta put an arm around the young boy and Luke wiped his eyes quickly. “They’re going to get married, you know. Madge wants to have babies…” He spat the woman’s name venomously. “So, now he’ll have a replacement children—and Dad will forget all about us. Just like he forgot about Mom.” He met Peeta’s eyes. “Why did they even bother getting married? I don’t remember a time when they were not fighting.”

“Sometimes—even when people try, things just don’t work out,” Peeta said to Luke. “But the good that comes out of this is that we have you and we have Ari…and we all love you so much—no one more than your Mom.”

“Uncle Peeta,” Luke said through his tears, his eyes squarely on the man in front of him. “Mom is in love with you.”

Peeta felt his mouth slowly drop and he began to shake his head.

“No, I think you’re reading more into our friendship—”

“Dad said that she’s been in love with you since you were kids,” the boy insisted. “But, you never saw her as more than just a friend—and finally, she settled for him.” Luke rubbed his eyes on his sleeve. “Grown-ups always think that kids don’t understand anything—but we hear and we know more than you think. Even Ari knows—she used to wish that you were her Daddy instead of Dad.”

“What changed?” Peeta asked, his voice tight.

“She told Santa her wish—and a month later, Dad left,” Luke said. “Then, Ari stopped believing that you were going to be her Daddy and she stopped believing in Santa.”

Peeta met Luke’s eyes. “And, what do you believe?”

“I believe in the way that my Mom’s eyes light up when she’s with you.” The teenager grinned to himself. “I believe in that funny little smile that you give each other. I’m just a kid, Uncle Peeta—but I’m not a dumbass.”

He chuckled and ruffled Luke’s dark mop. “You shouldn’t curse.” Sighing, Peeta looked to young boy and put an arm around him. “This is a lot to process—but whatever happens, I’m going to be here for you and Ari—always.”

Luke nodded. “Okay…always.”

“Luke? Peeta?” They turned to see Katniss approaching them as she closed the door behind her. “You went missing and I got worried—” Her eyes went to her son’s flushed face and she rushed over to the two. “Are you okay, baby?”

Luke gave her a soft smile. “Yeah, Mom. Uncle Peeta was telling me about being the Panem High Woodchuck.” He stood up abruptly, letting his Mom take his spot. “I’m going to make sure that Uncle Finnick didn’t eat of all of the mint chocolate-chip ice cream.” Turning to Peeta, Luke gave him a quick hug. “Thanks for the talk.”

When the door closed behind them, Peeta finally turned to Katniss. “You have great kids.”

“I’m a lucky woman,” Katniss replied as she looked out at the front yard. “Luke and Ari have kept me going through this shitty year.” She smiled gently at him and he was reminded of Ari’s beaming grin. “And, you too.”

“I’m sorry if I haven’t been around so much,” he told her. “Now that Dad is getting older, he needs my help at the bakery—”

Katniss shook her head. “Don’t even worry about it. I know that you’ve been working really hard. Delly told me about the changes at the bakery. I like her, by the way.”

“Yeah, Delly is great,” Peeta responded. “Katniss…can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” his friend said as she sat back. “Shoot.”

“Are you in love with me?”

Katniss sat up quickly, her grey eyes wide. “What?”

“I asked…” Peeta lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “…if you were in love with me.”

“Peeta…”

She breathed out his name so tenderly that even if she denied it, he would know she was lying.

His lips went to her chin and Katniss let out a shaky breath at his touch. “I told myself that you never saw me as anything but a friend,” she whispered against him. “But before he left, Gale said some things to me…”

“That you always depended on me instead of him,” Peeta responded and she looked at him in surprise. “Kids hear things—even things that you try to hide from them.”

“I see,” Katniss responded as she leaned her forehead against his shoulder. “My children are too smart.”

“You never answered my question,” he said to her and she lifted her head to look at him. “Are you in love with me?”

“Yes…” It came out in a relieved sob. “But, it’s too late now; we can’t go back. I can’t go back to that moment in high school.”

“What moment?” he asked.

“I was going to ask you to dance with me at Homecoming,” she told him shyly. “But, you pawned me off on Gale—so I just thought you wanted to stay friends. Then, Gale asked me out and you didn’t object. And, I got pregnant and so on and so forth…”

“Wow.” He stood up and held his hand out. “Then, let me right a wrong.”

Katniss stared up at him. “What are you doing?”

“We’re going to dance.”

Tentatively, Katniss took his hand and he pulled her onto her feet. Wrapping an arm around her slender waist, Peeta pressed her close feeling her heart pounding against his own rapid beats. He looked down to check that he wasn’t stepping on her toes before moving his feet in a careful two-step.

Katniss looked down at their moving feet before smiling at him. “We don’t have any music.”

Peeta laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Okay, let me think of a song…”

Musing for a moment, he thought of their time in high school and how he had held back thinking that he wasn’t good enough for her.

So, he had found her the perfect guy.

Peeta never took into account that Gale might not have been the perfect guy for her.

“I got one,” he suddenly said and cleared his throat, “I even picked a song from our Homecoming dance.”

Katniss looked up at him skeptically. “Can you sing?”

Pressing his lips to her ear, he began to sing softly:

“I'm not a perfect person There's many things I wish I didn't do But I continue learning I never meant to do those things to you…”

Yes, Peeta knew that he didn’t have the best voice. However, every word he crooned into her ear brought her nearer, closing the space between them until there was nothing but small, shaky breaths that separated them.

“You are actually very good,” Katniss told him. She glanced down for a moment. “What about Delly?”

“She’s just a friend and is dating Thom who manages the bakery when I’m not there,” he replied. “I brought her here to keep me from making a fool of myself. I hadn’t seen you awhile and I was afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“That I might just blurt out that I was in love with you,” Peeta told her as his hands found their way to her face. “Then, Luke—bless the kid—decided to help me out.” He leaned forward to stamp a soft kiss to her waiting lips. “I’m in love with you, Katniss. I’m sorry that it took me so long to say it—but, I do.”

“And, you always will?” she asked as she pushed up on her toes to meet him halfway, a playful smile on her lips.

“I’ve loved you from the moment I met you,” he replied, grinning at the joy on her face. “I don’t think I have it in me to ever stop.”

Peeta’s lips descended on hers, tasting sweet vanilla and strawberry lip gloss, in-between their eager sighs.

He pulled away, his mouth dancing against her chin before traveling to her soft lobe. “Marry me.”

“Okay,” Katniss replied without hesitation. “But—you have to get Ari and Luke’s permission.”

Peeta smiled against her hair. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”

FIN.

*Song: “The Reason”-Hoobastank

#Everlark Drabble #Everlark #otp prompts #happy birthday keelaree!#love you!

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