The Sterling Nightingale ⟷ Finnick Odair/OC

Overflowing with pale waves

Chapter Eight | Overflowing with pale waves

"A pleasant though distinctly inane laugh was heard from outside, and the next moment an unusually tall and very richly dressed figure appeared in the doorway." Emma Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel

Unlike Finnick's apartment, his house is much more personal, despite its general lack of decoration. It's still very different from hers, but in a refreshing way. Where Sil's house is cluttered with odds and ends and luxurious furnishings, Finnick's is oddly clean in an almost unnatural way. It's beautiful though. The view is spectacular and the way the light streams in from the many windows is absolutely breathtaking.

They step inside quietly. Finnick waves his hand for her to go ahead of him and she does, walking into the foyer of the large house. It's set up the same way hers is back in the Victor's Village in District 1, though she rarely uses the house. The kitchen is immediately to the left and the living room to the right. The open floor plan makes use of every available space. In the back, a staircase winds its way up to the second floor. Not as extravagant as her own home, but then again the Cornelius estate is probably the richest property in District 1.

"What a lovely home, Finnick," Sil says honestly, smiling at him. He smiles back, but there's something guarded in his eyes as he looks at her. It probably has to do with their kiss. She can't entirely blame him.

Their suitcases are waiting near the door, and Finnick takes hers and lifts them up.
"Come on," he tells her, walking to the stairs, "I'll show you your room." She follows him to the second floor, where they walk down a slim hallway. Windows open up to the salty sea air, which perforates everything in sight. There are several doors that they walk past, until they reach the end of the hall and Finnick nods at the last one. Sil takes this as her queue to open it.

Her room is as lovely as the rest of the house. She has a great view of the ocean. Floor length windows show her as much, opening up a world of glittering blue water and gorgeous beaches. There's a balcony too, which slips all the way around the corner and keeps going past her line of sight. It undoubtedly connects with the other rooms.

Gauzy curtains hang from the windows and the French doors. Her bed is big and fluffy with countless pillows. An emerald green rug fans out beneath it, and oak furniture blends the room together into a dream.

Slowly, she walks to the French doors and opens them, stepping outside onto the balcony, where several chairs have been placed. Finnick sets her suitcases near her bed before joining her. He leans against the railing and stuffs his hands into his pockets, but doesn't say anything for several long minutes.

"...I thought tomorrow I'd show you around town. Maybe go buy that dress," he jokes, and she smiles.

Curling her fingers around the railing, Sil glances at him and catches his eye. Silence descends once more upon them, until Finnick at last allows himself to wonder, "Why did you kiss me on the beach?" He stares at her and she stares back.

Amused, Sil chuckles and dramatically asks, "Why do you think I kissed you, Finnick my love?" When he doesn't respond, she smirks and waves her hand airily, "There was a cameraman hiding in the bushes. I thought I'd make the most of it. It was ever so romantic, after all, what with me wearing your shirt. I should really change though – there's salt in my hair, a terrible thing really – " she murmurs several other things that aren't very important and disappears back inside, leaving Finnick feeling stranded on the balcony.

Of course there was a reason for the kiss. He isn't surprised and he isn't disappointed, but some part of him wilts at the thought. It's probably because he isn't used to someone else calling the shots. He's supposed to do that, not her. That he allowed it makes him feel a little out of control. Luckily he's good at masking such feelings.