THE SIREN'S SONG 𓇼 F. ODAIR

38 ~ the announcement

Months later, Carolina and Finnick found themselves at their spot by the beach once again. They hadn't been to the beach together since before Charlie's passing, but on that very day, Carolina had needed more than just Finnick by her side to get her through it.

The couple was sitting on an old blanket with their eyes focused on their notebooks. Finnick was sketching whereas Carolina was finishing up a song she had spent the past couple of months writing, humming its melody as she worked.

Carolina looked up from her writing and stared out at the ocean. The tide rose all the way up to where they were sitting, tickling her toes. Carolina smiled down at the wave and dug her feet into the sand, savoring the rough grains against her feet.

She reached out to place a hand over Finnick's. She moved her gaze to Finnick's sea-green eyes. He was already staring back at her.

"I love you," she said quietly. "I hope you know that."

"I know that, but it's a lovely reminder," Finnick leaned in to kiss her temple. "I love you, too."

Carolina glanced down at his sketchbook. She moved to try and get a better view of his drawing, but Finnick closed the book before she could see anything.

"Nope," Finnick laughed. "You are not getting me that easily."

"Oh, come on," Carolina whined. "Just this once?"

"Okay, sing me your song," Finnick pointed to her notebook. He reached out for it, but Carolina tightened her grip on it and stood up. "Well, I guess you're not seeing my drawing, then."

"That's different!" Carolina laughed. "My song isn't finished yet. The chorus is all over the place and the melody just sounds wrong in some places. Whereas your drawing is perfect, and you know it."

"I wouldn't say perfect," Finnick said. "Maybe a masterpiece, but who's judging?"

"Okay, then show me this masterpiece."

Finnick hesitated for a moment before giving in. 

"Fine," he sighed.

"Weak," Carolina giggled.

Finnick opened his sketchbook to the page of his newest drawing. He looked down at it for a moment before handing it to Carolina. Carolina practically snatched it out of his hands with a big smile and sat back down next to him. But when she saw the drawing, her smile dimmed. It was still there, just bittersweet.

Carolina ran her fingers across it, taking in every freckle, every eyelash, every detail the drawing had to offer.

"Charlie," Carolina whispered.

She looked up at Finnick and saw that he was studying her carefully.

"It's his birthday today," Finnick said slowly. "I thought it would be nice to... are you okay?"

Finnick thought Carolina would go silent when she saw the drawing, perhaps even cry. He did not expect the hysterical laugh that escaped her mouth.

"Now?" Carolina asked, bent over with laughter. "Now is when you decide to remember his birthday?"

Carolina's laugh was contagious. So much so that soon enough both of them were toppling over with laughter. It had been so long since they had last laughed.

"May 10th!" Finnick laughed. "It's May 10th! I put it on my calendar!"

"Oh!" Carolina swatted Finnick's shoulder. "So you didn't just remember? You had to be reminded?"

"No!" Finnick put his hands up in mock surrender. "I remembered! I promise!"

Finnick continued to laugh with Carolina, but when he looked at her next, he realized that tears were running down her cheeks. Her laughter became sad as her smile began to falter. Finnick took her in his arms at the sight.