The sugar to my cookie (everlark drabble)

Summary: Katniss and Peeta bake some cookies

Rating: M

Author’s Note: All mistakes are mine. It’s late but I wanted to write some fluffy Everlark.

As the sun beams smile through the open window, Katniss slowly blinks her eyes open to find Peeta still asleep in front of her. It’s been two years since they met in their communications class and even though finding a boyfriend was the last thing Katniss imagined doing at college, here she is. She sighs, content with watching him sleep. His mouth is slightly parted and his lips slant upward. The peace she feels as she lays next to the warmth of his body is absolute.

She begins stroking his light curls, softly humming a melody. Peeta loves to hear her sing, but seldom does she grant him the pleasure of hearing her do so. She’s never been very comfortable in her own skin, but Peeta makes her feel beautiful and so, on occasion she will hum to him as a way to begin his day.

Within moments she’s graced with the beauty of his brilliant blue irises, his slight smile turning into a full on grin. He brings his lips to her temple softly grazing her skin and whispering to her.

“I love when I wake up to your beautiful voice.” She blushes because for some reason, Peeta makes her feel stunning. He evokes a feeling of comfort and happiness in her that she didn’t realize she had.

“Let’s stay home and make cookies today,” she says, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She loves to watch him bake. His eyebrows knitted together in concentration, but not because he does not know what he’s doing. Simply, because he knows so well and he wants to concoct a perfection of delicious bliss for her.

“That sounds like a great idea. Sugar cookies?” Peeta knows her well.

After getting dressed, the two find themselves in the kitchen, ingredients laid out before them. While anything involving the kitchen has never been Katniss’ strong suit, Peeta is patient and always helps her.

His hands soft and tender, cover hers as he guides her hands to help. He stands behind her, arms embracing her and every so often, he places a kiss on her cheek, shoulder or runs his fingers up her arm.

“You know, when I agreed to start dating you, I immediately knew I was in trouble when I found out your talent for baking. There is always something sweet in your apartment.” Katniss turns her head to smirk at him.

“I can’t help it. I enjoy spoiling you.” He takes a piece of flour and places it on her nose playfully. Katniss’ eyes widen in surprise and she reaches for it to add some on his cheek. Quickly, she dashes away, knowing all too well that this will be war.

Before either of them can stop themselves, there’s flour all over Peeta’s kitchen floor, counters and them. Her hair looks like a tornado ripped through her braid. He’s breathing heavy and his eyes are trained on her. He slowly approaches and his hand comes to her braid. Gently, he undoes the band that’s holding the last few pieces together and his fingers rake through the chocolate river of waves.

“You’re gorgeous, you know that? Even covered in flour.” He continues to play with her hair and she smiles. When did life get this good? She knows how lucky she is but ending up with Peeta was beyond what she could imagine. For some strange reason, he considers her the world and slowly, she’s learned to begin to love herself.

“We should probably finish baking these cookies,” she replies. “And then, maybe we should take a shower.” She bites her lower lip playfully knowing that she’s reeled him in.

She loves how sweet he is with her. Despite being together for quite some time now, she knows that Peeta will always remain the gentleman he has been. He presses his lips to her throat, leaving a trail of fire on her skin. All the while he gradually helps her rid herself of the clothing that seems to be so restrictive.

She lets out a small squeak as his hand reaches her waist line. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this.” She hears him give a slight chuckle as he meets her eyes. Katniss begins to delicately unbutton his shirt, lightly running her fingertips along his torso. She sees his jaw flex and places a kiss there. “I love to see your reaction when I undress you.”

Before long, they’re both standing in the shower as the steam wraps around them.

“You know I would shower ten times a day if it meant I could shower with you.” He slowly rubs her back, letting the body wash lather up. Katniss sighs and allows her body to completely melt under his hands.

There’s no concept of time as they continue to caress each other. Feeling bold, Katniss grabs on to Peeta. “This is a nice surprise.” He sucks in a deep breath and closes his eyes.

“I just wanted to thank you for all the delicious treats and figured this was a nice way to do it.” She’s whispering in his ear now, gently nipping at the lobe and teasing him. His breathing quickens and she decides that this might as well be a great time for both of them to have some fun.

Katniss brings him close and he slips into her without hesitation.

It’s like two puzzle pieces. It always has been. The first time, Katniss finally felt complete. It was like she had been missing something her entire life and that something was Peeta.

As the water beats down on them, Peeta peppers her face with kisses and she clings to him, feeling his broad back move with her. When she finds her release Peeta holds her close until her breathing slows. Not soon after, he finds his own few moments of bliss and though she misses him as they part, he leads her out of the shower and grabs a soft towel to swallow her in warmth.

“Thank you, Peeta.” Katniss watches as he delicately dries here off and then does the same for himself.

He leaves her to get dressed and heads downstairs to grab some of the cookies they baked earlier. As she finishes pulling her tank top over her torso, he walks into the room with a tray.

Peeta has brought a plate with a few cookies along with a single rose in a narrow vase. He’s brought along some milk and as well and they settle on the bed to enjoy a delicious helping of sweet sugar cookies.

“I love when you wear your hair down. You’re beautiful no matter what, but I’ll never get tired of seeing your hair framing your face.” Peeta never disappoints. He always knows what to say to make her feel like the sun. Clearing his throat, Peeta’s face becomes serious and he takes her hand in his.

“So, I know we’ve been together for a while, but I just want you to know how much I love you. Katniss, you’re everything to me. Every day, I realize how lucky I am that you came into my life. I don’t ever want you to leave. There’s not a moment where I can imagine a day without you and I hope you feel the same.”

She can only swallow thickly and nod. She’s never been much for words, but he’s like her other half. Peeta is the sugar to her cookie. He sweetens her life and adds much needed love and kindness to what she thinks would otherwise be a plain cookie without flavor. And as he leans in, she holds her breath as she hears him whisper, “Katniss, please be my better half. Will you marry me?” She moves her face back to look into his bright eyes that remind her of the endless sky and whispers back, “Always.”

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Drabbling for Fun

This drabble is for the ever wonderful Faith, also know as the-peeta-pocket

Astray

A shiver runs through me as my arms pull the small jacket up to cover my frame. The wind nips at my cheeks and for a split second, I contemplate why I am still in existence. I thought I had made the right choice when I moved in with Gale. We were so good together and I thought he loved me.

Apparently my judgment of character was off by a long shot considering it wasn’t long after that his whole demeanor changed. I should feel thankful having managed to leave the prison I allowed myself to be part of for so long.

But as my feet make their way through the freshly fallen snow, all I can think is how the world would have been better off without me, Katniss Everdeen. Tears slowly make their way down my face and the holiday season just doesn’t seem as beautiful as it once was.

My mind wanders back to the days I spent celebrating Christmas with Prim and my mother…

Prim and I are hanging lights on the tree and I watch her eyes sparkle as she eagerly rambles on about how excited she is to go ice skating.

It’s something I’ve done with her every year and it brings a smile to my face.

I’m eagerly anticipating the coming weeks and my lips curve into a smile.

I’m lost in my thoughts as I collide with another body. If not for a strong pair of arms I’m certain I would have fallen. As I look up, I’m greeted with a familiar face and I can imagine I must look dumbfounded.

“Katniss?” The person in front of me questions as he appears to process his thoughts accordingly. “What are you doing out here? And with only a jacket, you must be freezing.”

My mind is frozen as I attempt to formulate an adequate reply. Instinctively, my body is screaming at me to just run away because I haven’t seen Peeta since we graduated together. He’s always been good natured, so when he grabs me by the hand a spark of warmth runs through my veins.

His eyes have a way of looking right through me and I find that I am still at a loss for words. I consider just making a quick dash but his hold on me is intense, not only with his hands but his eyes as well.

“I, um, hey...” My reply is pathetic but Peeta must know something is up because he simply smiles and replies with, “Come on. You’re coming to my place. We’re not staying out here in the cold.”

We walk in silence but I catch Peeta glancing my direction every few seconds to gauge how I’m feeling. His pace is brisk but he takes great care to make sure I keep up. It doesn’t take long for us to get back to where he is parked and we are on our way. I try to process the entire situation that has unfolded before me that I’m surprised to be snapped out of my thoughts when we arrive at his home.

I knew Peeta’s family was fairly well off when we went to high school together, but his house is absolutely beautiful. I’m breathless as I take in the picture before me. The freshly fallen snow covers the roof in a blanket of crisp, white flakes and he’s taken to decorating the house tastefully with a few Christmas lights.

Peeta comes around and opens the passenger door for me and I slowly make my way up the stairs to the front door. He fumbles with the keys for a short moment and as we enter the house a feeling of warmth takes me over. It’s a combination of comfort from the indoors and the delectable smells coming from the kitchen.

The hues he’s chosen are light oranges and he has decorations placed in a strategic manner. It’s tasteful without being cluttered and has a way of welcoming those who step in. In addition to all the visual stimuli, I can tell something has been baking. It’s a sweet and rich scent but not overpowering either.

“I made cookies earlier and had them out to cool a bit.” Peeta mentions with a slight smile. “Here, let me take your jacket.” He’s careful as he removes it and hangs it up. “You can take your shoes off, too. Have a seat on the couch and I’ll be right back.”

I’m not sure at first but as I watch him turn to head toward the kitchen, my body relaxes and I slip out of my shoes. The living room is right around the corner and a plush couch sits in front of a fire place. I sink into one side of the couch hugging a pillow to my chest.

It doesn’t take long for Peeta to return as he places a plate of freshly baked sugar cookies and a cup of hot chocolate on the table in front of the couch. “Help yourself. I made plenty.” He gives a smile and turns his back to me to begin a fire. Once the flames are dancing in the hearth, he appears satisfied with his work and comes back to the couch.

“Mind if I sit next to you?” His question is genuine and I just give a slight nod. He gives me a blanket and grabs a cookie for himself. “So, what on earth were you doing out there in nothing but a thin jacket, all by yourself, Katniss?” He’s watching me and I can tell he won’t take a lie for an answer.

Peeta has always been very caring and nonjudgmental. Even though we didn’t talk much in school, anytime I saw him he was always smiling and easy to approach. I’m not sure why I instinctively feel comforted by his presence, but the entire story pours out and as I cover all the details, he listens carefully.

I tell him about how Prim has grown up and isn’t really into doing sister things anymore. I’m surprised at myself because I even dive deep into my entire relationship with Gale and how he was verbally abusive and threatened me. The tears are pouring and it feels so good to finally let it all flow free. The entire time I am recalling the details Peeta sits quietly, occasionally nodding and putting a hand on my knee as a gesture of reassurance.

When I’ve completed my explanation, Peeta sighs heavily and shifts. He’s always been good with words so I don’t think he’s trying to figure out what to say but merely how to convey it.

“Katniss, I don’t want to scare you, but I want to be truthful with you. When I saw you tonight, I immediately knew something was up. I’m not going to push you but I want you to know that you’re safe here and that you can stay as long as you’d like.” His offer takes me off guard but, at the same time it is so authentically Peeta. He takes my hand and despite all my reservations and worries, I don’t shy away from this contact. “This isn’t easy for me to say, but I’ve noticed you ever since high school. I was always too nervous to say something but I want to be brave enough to tell you now.”

He’s shaking at this point and I can tell his nerves are getting the best of him. So, I do the only thing I can and reassuringly put my hand over his. This helps him settle a bit and he takes another shaky breath before continuing. “Katniss, I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’ve noticed you ever day of my life. It hurts me to hear what you’ve been through and I want to take this chance to let you know that I will always be here for you. I don’t want to push you but I want you to know that I care deeply for you. Will you give me the chance to show you?”

I’m shocked at his confession. Peeta has always been very good looking and it was easy to see that many girls would have jumped at an opportunity to be with him. Even I noticed him but I never considered myself unique enough to be noticed in return.

Perhaps it’s impulsive and my broken heart urges me on, but I lean forward slight and press a kiss to his cheek. He smells like sugar and spice. It is absolutely intoxicating. There is something warm about him and I linger near his face just a bit longer as he gazes at me.

Courage leaps into my heart and I open my mouth to confess. “I always noticed you, too. I just never thought I was special enough to be noticed back.” My eyes dip down to look at my lap but Peeta brings my chin up and presses a soft kiss to my lips.

Maybe it’s the heartache I’ve recently endured or maybe it’s just my heart finally telling me to act on what I need, but I respond by kissing him back with an urgency I didn’t realize I had. I wrap my arms around his neck and feel his hands tentatively grab my waist. I’ve crawled into his lap and the kiss deepens. It feels good to be needed and wanted and it feels real.

Earlier today, I felt lost and broken. I was alone and empty without a care in the world. But, here I am, sitting in Peeta’s lap with his admission of his love for me and I couldn’t believe him anymore than I do now. In this moment and time, I can trust him and the connection I feel is one that will last a lifetime. Peeta makes me feel whole and loved. I never believed it until tonight, but it was fate that brought me to him.

Everlark Drabbling

This lovely little drabble is my very first, to push me to become a better writer and because my wonderful friend, Faith aka the-peeta-pocket, deserves to have something written for her. She’s always bringing a smile to people through her Everlark stories. She gave me the following prompt: “I’ve never talked to you before but the teacher just used us as an example for a scenario where we are married.”

Noticing You

I’m lost in my own mind as usual as our sociology professor, Dr. Trinket, goes on and on about some silly assignment we’ll be completing over the following week. I only signed up for this class because it was on my list for requirements, but considering I’m not the most social of butterflies, this class seems to mostly be a waste of my time. I usually sit in the back doodling in my notebook with an absent mind. College isn’t too different, but I find myself a lot more reluctant to make friends as my schedule changes every semester.

Some blonde guy decided he’d try to sit next to me on the first day of class and attempt to strike up a conversation. That went over well. I still remember the conversation vividly.

“Hi, my name’s Peeta.” He said this as he strolled up the aisle to take a seat next to me but my backpack was in the way.

I mumbled something that could have been interpreted as a greeting but I was mostly focused on getting through the first day of class without having to engage in small talk.

“I guess you’re not much for words, huh?” He responded with a small smile and my typical scowl must have driven him off because he didn’t say much after that as he turned to find another seat next to what I assume was a friend who decided to sit in the front row.

I’ve seen him a few times since then. I’m more of a people watcher and I’ve noticed the way his muscles flex under his shirt as it hugs him snuggly. The way his blonde curls just slightly cover those cerulean eyes. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but someone like him would likely never care to invest in someone like me so instead of dwelling on it, I continue to seclude myself.

As I glance up from my lame attempt at a flower in my notebook, I see that Dr. Trinket has posted a list of pairings in her slide show. Apparently it’s some sort of relationship assignment involving us pairing up and being “married” to a class mate.

“Now, I want you to take this assignment seriously and really take something home from it.” Dr. Trinket explains excitedly. “Being married in college is entirely different than being in a simple relationship, so I’ll expect you to write down detailed descriptions of your discussions.”

I’m mostly nonchalant about the assignment, because how bad can it really be? I’ll have to be a bit social, but at least I’m only dealing with one person instead of a group. But, as Dr. Trinket babbles on, my stomach instantly does a flip and I feel like regurgitating my lunch when I read whose name is next to mine. Peeta Mellark.

“Let’s provide an example, shall we?” She says. “Mr. Mellark and Miss Everdeen are paired together so I expect you to get together and speak about things you would discuss if married. Perhaps you can talk about purchasing a new home together, the decision to have children in the future or how to handle trouble with in-laws.”

I chew my lip nervously and glance his direction but quickly avert my eyes as I see him smiling at me with an undeniable warmth in his eyes. My cheeks fill with heat because the last thing I needed was Dr. Trinket to speak about me to the entire class. This is not what I was expecting and part of me would rather just drop the class, but it’s required so as we’re dismissed and I try to calm my heart from pounding out of my chest, I try to form a small smile when Peeta approaches me.

“Hey, so, weird assignment right?” He looks at me and shifts back and forth, nervously.

“Uh, yeah, but we’ll get through it.” I try to make him feel somewhat at ease as I recall our first conversation and realize that I wasn’t really all that nice to him. Besides, I might as well get to know him.

“Do you have any classes the rest of the day? We could start on the assignment and grab some coffee if you want.” His face is red as a tomato but I just nod, unsure of how to make the situation less awkward.

“Nope. No classes. Coffee sounds good to me.” I reply and we head off to the coffee shop inside the library, next door.

I’m not sure how time passes so quickly, but before I know it, it is 6pm and we’ve been talking for almost three hours. How did I become so open with someone so quickly? It’s like Peeta has a way of making my walls melt away and I didn’t even realize how kind and easy to talk to he was.

I watch him as he anxiously mulls something around in his head and it’s obvious something is weighing on his mind because he got quiet very quickly. I may not be the most social of people, but I watch people with intensity and I can usually tell when something is up.

“You alright? Your mind sort of just left the station.” I say as I wave my hand in front of him to grab his attention.

“Huh? Oh no, I’m fine. Just thinking.” He replies with an edge of uncertainty to his voice. “Would you like to come back to my apartment for dinner? I promise to cook something good.” He provides a genuine smile and the hope in his eyes is evident.

“Sure.” My stomach is filled with butterflies and I feel my heartbeat quicken as I realize that I just agreed and I’m surprised at my sudden bravery.

The drive to his apartment doesn’t take long and the conversation in the car continues to flow with ease. I have never felt this comfortable with someone and I’m wondering what it is that makes Peeta so approachable. It could be his eyes, his smile, the way his chest sits under his shirt or the outline of his jaw that I ache to touch. What is wrong with me? I think as we approach the front door and he unlocks it.

Ever the gentleman, he offers to get me something to drink and tells me to take a seat on the couch while he begins to rummage through the cabinets for ingredients.

“Pasta okay with you?” He asks and I nod in agreement. It’s been a while since someone has cooked for me. College is filled with cheap meal plans, fast food runs and microwaveable dinners. This is sure to be a treat.

“Anything I can help you with?” I ask, approaching the kitchen. “Can I watch?” I’ve never been much for cooking and my culinary skills are definitely less than desirable so I’m fascinated as I see him move swiftly and without hesitation.

“Nope, you’re welcome to do whatever makes you comfortable.” He replies with a grin.

Shortly, he’s prepared the sauce and the pasta is cooking on the stovetop.

“Here, try this.” He says as he grabs a spoon with some sauce and lifts it up to my mouth. I take a moment and hesitate but take a taste and moan with pleasure.

“Oh my God, Peeta. This is amazing.” I exclaim.

“You’re pretty amazing yourself.” He mumbles, but I hear him clearly enough that my head whips up in response. He’s instantly realized that his words have been heard and he begins to apologize but I cut him off with my own apology.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t very approachable on the first day of class. I’ve always been kind of…”

“Katniss, you don’t have to explain anything. I figured you wanted your space, but ever since seeing you in class, I’ve wanted to get to know you better. I guess I’m pretty thrilled that Dr. Trinket gave us this assignment because I’d really like to get to know you better…” He whispers the last part with apprehension as he slowly brings his hand to my face to tuck a strand of hair back in place.

“All I can think about that first day in class is how badly I’ve wanted to kiss you. Taste you. Love you.” He states this matter-of-factly as if we’ve known each other for years.

Normally, I would run away and avoid the situation completely, but as Peeta admits this, my head spins and all I can do is focus on his luscious pink lips and what they would feel like against mine. So, I gather the small piece of courage that accompanies my racing heart and whisper, “I’d like that very much.”

With that response, Peeta doesn’t hesitate and leans forward to brush a soft kiss against my lips. I return it with eagerness and as Peeta quickly turns off the stove, we slowly make our way to the living room, forgetting dinner. When we’ve settled on the couch, he continues to deepen the kiss, dragging his tongue across my upper lip as I moan into his mouth.

Maybe this wasn’t such a bad assignment after all.

Thanks to Pinterest for making my day.