just rename this musebox 'the dump'

[traumatizing]

[If he hates parties, Terry hates the inter-label parties even more. It's exhausting being around all these people and pretending not to hate everything and everyone and having to introduce himself to all these Virgo people as if he cares about these conversations and doesn't just want to go back to his bed.]

[He's coming in from a smoke break (read: going outside in a desperate bid to get away from people for 10 minutes) when he bumps into someone on his way back in and immediately puts his hands out to steady whoever it was as if he's in any way bulky enough to knock someone bigger than a toddler over.]

Shit-- Sorry.

Comments

[thelittlemerman]

[Finnick's barely bothered by the bump, just buzzed enough not to feel his general prickliness toward people who invade his personal space. Instead he looks down and gives Terry a sly smile like he's about to mess with him.]

Oh, it's no problem.

[traumatizing]

[He knows that look. He's been on the receiving end of that look many times from many people because for some reason everyone thinks it's funny to mess with him.]

[Terry huffs, blowing a lock of hair out of his eye.]

How's it going?

[Look at him being nice and friendly and amicable who could pick on that]

[thelittlemerman]

[Finnick shrugs all nonchalant, leaning against the wall and considering Terry thoughtfully. Talking to him is more interesting than the boring party inside anyway, so he's probably going to try and keep him occupied as long as possible.]

Terribly bored, actually. It's a shame they make these things mandatory.

[traumatizing]

Yeah, I know.

[He sighs, shoving his hands in his pockets and glancing aside at the party and all the people.]

It might come as a shock, but I'm not exactly a social butterfly. [Terry shakes his head, looking back up at Finnick with a frown.] But Page says I have to come, so here I am.

[thelittlemerman]

That does come as a surprise.

[It's dripping with sarcasm, of course.]

Well you've made your appearance now, why can't you just leave?

[traumatizing]

Why can't you?

[Because it sounds like Finnick's in a similar situation if he's really so bored.]

[thelittlemerman]

You make an excellent point. I think I might.

[traumatizing]

Cool.

[Well he's gonna go back to the party then.]

Have fun not being here.

[thelittlemerman]

You could join me.

[Finnick raises his eyebrow at Terry, like he's challenging him to say yes.]

[traumatizing]

And do what?

[s q u i n t] I don't think we share many hobbies.

[thelittlemerman]

Are you really that lacking in imagination?

[All condescending and crap, as he does.]

[traumatizing]

[He just doesn't understand flirting okay.]

[Especially from a guy whose approach is borderline just berating him.]

[So basically Terry makes a face and shrugs/gestures with his hands up because he doesn't understand what Finnick's getting at.]

[thelittlemerman]

Not many people proposition you do they?

[A hint of a smirk is back, like it's kind of a dig.]

[traumatizing]

[Wow okay]

That was a proposition? Because mostly it seemed like you being a dick.

[thelittlemerman]

[The worst grin.]

It can't be both?

[traumatizing]

Are you always like this?

[thelittlemerman]

[Finnick's grin falls off a bit and he sighs.]

Mostly when I'm bored.

[traumatizing]

[Jesus Christ. Terry rolls his eyes and pulls out his phone to look at the time, mostly just to decide if he's been at the party long enough. Somehow Finnick is managing to be more appealing than sticking around here, even if Terry still has yet to figure out how much of this douchebag thing he does is an act.]

[He can't believe this, but fuck it.]

You got a place in mind? I mean I can't exactly go back to yours.

[thelittlemerman]

I have friends at all the hotels around here.

[He pulls out his phone to glance at the map.]

It kind of comes with the territory. I can get myself in and then sneak you through a back door, if you don't want to be seen with me.

[traumatizing]

[He nods, because not being seen together sounds good, but then he realises that seems kinda shitty and even if Finnick's used to it he doesn't want to be that kind of guy.]

It's nothing to do with you, I just... [He looks down, a little self-concious.] I don't like people knowing shit about my personal life.

[thelittlemerman]

Mm. Lucky you, you get the luxury of keeping some things private.

[Finnick says it without a hint of bitterness. His manager always makes it seem like he needs to make just enough noise about his so-called love life to make sure he seems accessible, and something in Finnick makes him feel compelled to fall in line more often than not. He shows Terry his phone with a sly smile.]

Meet me at the Crown Suites a few blocks away. There's a stairwell exit on the right side of the building if you're looking at the entrance. I can meet you there in... let's say twenty minutes?

[traumatizing]

[He wants to say something about that, but then Finnick's showing him his phone so it seems like the conversation has moved on.]

Yeah-- see you there.

[thelittlemerman]

Good.

[Finnick smiles and gives Terry another once-over as he puts his phone in his pocket. Something about this feels good, like he's fulfilling a purpose. Like another notch in the bed post is a positive and important thing.]

[He turns to go.]

I'm getting a car. Don't take too long or else I'll clear out the minibar before you have a chance.

[And with that he is gone. Sorry Terry.]

[traumatizing]

[It doesn't take a huge amount of time for Terry to get there, he's pretty practiced at slipping out of parties and throwing up the hood on his jacket makes it easy to go about without being recognised.]

[It occurs to him once he gets there that he doesn't have Finnick's number to let him know he's here, but Terry's pretty sure it's not taken him the whole 20 minutes to get here so he just sits on the steps and waits.]

[thelittlemerman]

[Finnick happens to check his phone at about nineteen minutes and doesn't hurry to get down the stairs. When he swings the door open he makes a soft, almost surprised noise.]

Half expected you not to show up.