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You hadn't slept, nor ate, nor even gone outside. You had heard the news, Peeta was seeing to Katniss Everdeen, the girl who seemed to surpass you in everything. Truth be told, you were heartbroken. You and Peeta always had an unspoken bond, it could be seen by anyone and everyone. The two of you were inseparable, bound to the hip, always smiling and joking. Nowadays, almost no one had seen you- other than your boss when you told him you were taking some time off. It was raining, and you were sat at your window- you felt like one of those depressed ladies in the romance novels you read, sat waiting for Romeo to come crawling up their lattice and over their balcony- yet you knew nothing like that would happen. Peeta was with someone else now, and you had to accept that, no matter how much it hurt you.
A sharp, rapid knock disrupts your depressive slump, and you sigh, getting up. The knocking continues, and you roll your eyes. "I'm coming, hold on!" You call, unlocking your door before opening it. You almost passed out. "Peeta..?" You mumble, and he gives a sheepish smile. "Can I come in?" He asks, and foolishly, you step aside. "Of course." You respond, letting the soaking man inside. "You must be freezing." You frown, closing the door behind him. In passing, you bump up the heating of your home, hoping it would aid in warming Peeta up. "I'm very cold- but i'll live." He jokes, wiping his feet before following you further into your home. "I haven't been able to catch you recently." Peeta says idly, the audacity- you swivel around, palm connecting with his cheek. It doesn't make you feel better. "What was that for..?" Peeta frowns, genuinely hurt as he rubs his cheek. "You know why, Peeta. Why are you here?" You cross your arms, keeping some distance between the two of you.
"No, I don't know... I came here after your boss told me you were taking time off." Peeta frowns, observing you carefully- he didn't want to get slapped again for saying the wrong thing. "Why on Earth would you be coming here when you have beloved Katniss fucking Everdeen- the girl who literally beats me in everything- who is clearly much more successful now, mind you." You snap, eyes watering a little. "What? What are you saying-" you cut Peeta off, raising your hand palm out to hush him. "You're dating Katniss Everdeen, and you literally never fucking told me- if you had just said you wanted her you could of done so without stringing me along for so long!" You argue, shaking your head. "That's not what you think-!" Peeta tries to plead his case, yet you simply scoff. "Sure- say that to me now when you just announced to the whole fucking world that you two are dating." You sneer, wanting to kick him out. "Listen to me! Katniss and I aren't dating! It was a plot, a fucking rouse to benefit us- we were pretending!" Peeta claims, voice desperate.
You shake your head. "Why should I believe you?" You frown, crossing your arms again. "Because it's you that I want to be with- it's always been you! I thought it was obvious..." Peeta whines lowly, stepping a little closer. "If this is a joke to you, Peeta, then it's cruel." You can't stop your bottom lip from wobbling- feeling like an absolute child. Peeta carefully embraces you, pulling your warm body to his wet clothes. "I've always loved you, you idiot. I just never had the time to say it." He whispers, leaning his head against yours. You crumble, hugging him tightly, not caring how he dampens your clothes. "I thought I lost you.." You sniffle, trying not to cry too hard. "You haven't lost me. I'm right here, love." Peeta's words and gentle back rubs eventually soothe you. "You're a fool- I don't know if I should slap you for not telling me sooner or kiss you for coming back to me..." you pull away, and Peeta smiles a little. "A kiss would be preferred." He teases, the tip of his nose brushing against yours. You laugh softly, finally pressing your lips to his. It's soft, gentle, and so much better than what you had fantasised about at night.
Peeta's hands rest upon your lower back perfectly, pushing the curve to pull you closer. Your own palms cup his cheeks, your lips pressing harder to his as you whine softly into his mouth. "I'm home now, my beloved. I promise, I won't ever scare you like that again." He whispers, forehead resting to yours. "You better not, you ass!" You reply, smiling brightly before wiping your eyes. Peeta chuckles, kissing you again. "I've wanted you for so long- I might as well kick myself for not telling you sooner." He adds on, tangling his hands with yours. "Hmm, I think that's my job. Now come on, lets get you warmed up." You pull him further into the house. Peeta chuckles. "Of course, of course. How could I forget your job." He jokes, accepting some spare clothes from your wardrobe that he had left behind; well- you had borrowed them and just didn't give them back.
"I knew you had these." Peeta teases. You smile innocently. "You can have them back. They don't smell like you anymore." You walk past him to make some food, completely aware of the wide smile on his face as he strips out of his wet clothes. You were so happy you had your Peeta back.