plunder-and-pillage

[plunder-and-pillage]

At the End of the Day || AU Oneshot

As the cold light of death loomed upon me, I wrapped myself up in the knowledge that I wouldn’t be alone out there. Leif would be waiting for me someplace and together we could cause hell all while I watched Castor live and love for the both of us. As I finally closed my eyes, I felt a warmth surround me ushering me home.

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Surf ‘N’ Turf vs. D2

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Part Two: Cecilia, Emilio, Shea and Leif

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It was awfully nice of her to send me back to Cecilia with cookies. I was wondering how she was doing anyhow, so it'd be nice to check in after a night of solitude with a plate of fresh baked treats. "She will like that I'm sure," I said with a smile. 

I admit, I wasn't surprised when she decided to send me back to my suite. But what did surprise me was her whispered sentiment. I nearly dropped the plate of cookies on the floor as she ran off to her room, leaving the words lingering in the space she left behind. I swallowed the lump in my throat. 

No one... no one, no one had ever said that to me. I mean sure, Erik and Astrid and maybe mum once or twice, but never in a romantic context. Honestly, I was thankful that she sauntered off before I could react because I was dumbfounded and wasn't sure what I would've said. Had I been an idiot, I would've said it back, hence ruining everything because at this point it would've been a lie. Or a half truth. I felt something... but for a man who just found out what his heart was really for... love was pushing it. Too soon. And maybe she didn't even mean it. Maybe she was saying it because of tomorrow, in case anything happened. Or maybe she did and still. 

I found myself staring at the longhorn steer on the mantle and shaking my head again. "Girls." I showed myself down to my suite and headed to my room to find Cecilia waiting there, half asleep with the TV on. I offered her the cookies and shortly after we crawled into bed, this time mostly staying on our own sides of the bed. As her breathing deepened and she drifted off, I lay awake, staring at the dark ceiling and thinking about the words Shea whispered to me. Tomorrow was going to be a hell of a day...

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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She was killing me with those bare legs and wavy hair. The way she stood there, watching over the cookies as they cooled, knowingly keeping her distance. I don't care how innocent she seemed, she had to know what she was doing to me. The impatience showed in my leg as I bounced my knee in the air while perched on the stool. But finally she was back in my vicinity with cookies and milk. 

I didn't even hesitate to bite into the warm gooey cookie that she held up for me. I chewed, my eyes wide as I nodded. They were very good, amazing even. "Mmhmm," I hummed since my mouth was full. I washed it down with a sip of milk so I could finally speak. "Best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had. Thanks, Ten. Never would've thought you'd be a little baker. Mama must be proud," I said before finishing off the cookie in a second bite. 

I pushed the milk to her so she could have some as well and reciprocating the action, holding up a cookie for her. It was beginning to get late by the time we each had a few cookies. I pulled her onto my lap as she finished the glass of milk. 

"Well thank you for that, Shea. I don't think I deserved it, but thank you. I should probably let you get some sleep?" I asked, unsure if she wanted me to stay or hit the road. "Don't let anything keep you from resting, okay? You'll be fine with CeeCee and I on your back. Just do what your mentor says and make sure we find each other."

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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She sauntered over, taking her place between my legs and resuming our kiss. The tips of my fingers found the backs of her thighs and I couldn't resist gently tracing lines against her skin. As she deepened the kiss, she pressed against me more and my palms followed up her body until I was holding her around the base of her shoulders. 

Time ticked on in the silent suite. We weren't interrupted except by the sound of the timer going off 11 minutes later. We had barely come up for air. I don't remember kissing a girl like that without moving onto something else since I was 14. It was nice, genuinely nice to not feel the pressure of having to immediately take Shea to bed. I'm sure it crossed her mind, but I wasn't going to even bring it up. She didn't seem like that kind of girl anyway. 

I pouted a little as she pulled away, the timer having been beeping in our ears for a short while. Even if the cookies were burnt, that was totally worth it. 

"Oopsies," I chuckled. "Damn those distractions." She pulled the cookies out and the smell of them filled the suite. I was immediately hungry but knew they'd have to cool a bit before we could eat them. "I saw milk in the fridge, we should definitely share a glass."

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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She was being sly, checking on me, I knew it. But I played along because it wasn't a lie. "You are, totally my girl," I said softly and sweetly. She might still be worried about Cecilia and I, but she had no reason to be jealous. Still, I was glad I didn't tell her about our night last night. It wouldn't have done any of us any favors. 

She leaned into the kiss, wrapping her free hand around the back of my neck and keeping up good pace for a girl who'd only kissed one boy. But I wasn't complaining, we were somehow in sync. I pressed a kiss to her nose and motioned to the cookie sheet. 

"I wouldn't want to stand in the way of chocolate chip cookies," I said, finally retreating to my stool. I watched her as she diligently put the batter in small balls on the sheet before putting them in the oven. "Com'ere," I whispered, my arms stretched out for her after she set the timer.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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Her accent was just the cutest, especially when she was lightly annoyed and playful. I released her hips but only to wrap my arms around her and stay put. "Totally," I added with a quick kiss to her shoulder. "No more distractions, I'll be good!" 

I waited patiently as she stirred, the buzzer of the oven went off, letting us know that it was preheated. I licked my lips as she presented the batter on her finger. She smiled innocently at me but this girl knew what she was doing. If she didn't, gods help me. I opened my mouth and licked her finger, gently closing my lips around the batter and sucking on her a little bit longer than necessary. 

"Mmmm," I hummed as I slid off her finger. "You were right. Delicious." And then I couldn't resist myself so I snuck my finger around the edge of the bowl and gathered a little batter. Quickly swiping it on her lips, I burst into a chuckle. "Oh, Shea... you got a little something... right..." I leaned in. "Here." And kissed her, licking off the batter.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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Flirting with her was fun, different. It wasn't laced with innuendo, but it was playful and fun and I could slip some in every now and again. I stuck my tongue out at her with a laugh. "Yes ma'am." 

I went in search of chocolate chips in the cabinets while Shea got to work on the batter. I could hear the whisk against the bowl behind me as I looked, finally finding a bag of chocolate chips. I set them on the counter and before I could sit back and relax, I was ordered to set the oven. Without a word, I did as she said and turned back to watch her. 

Walking up behind her, I placed my hands on her hips and watched over her shoulder. "Oh yes, I'm watching. I'm very hands on," I teased with a squeeze to her hips. "Now, if you're looking for a batter taste tester, I am totally your man." 

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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She was even more alluring when she was playful. I bit my lip and shook my head feverishly. "No... no they are not," I replied as she made her way to the kitchen, leaving me alone with the longhorn steer again. I looked up at it and shrugged. "Girls, am I right?" 

I followed her into the kitchen, ready to pull up a stool and watch her work. But just as my fingers curled around the round seat, she shouted out instructions. I guess this wasn't a spectator sport. 

"Oooh and she's bossy, too," I teased as I opened the fridge. Scanning the contents, I located the carton of eggs and pulled them out. Grabbing two, I put the carton back and took on in each hand. I held them out between my thumb and index fingers. "Two eggs. Check. Anything else, Chef Shea?" I teased.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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Her suite was empty, lifeless, and still. I wondered where everyone was, but clearly they weren't sitting around waiting for her to return. The night before the arena, I suppose everyone had better things to do. The thought of it made me sad that Cecilia was likely alone or possibly having to continually hand tissues to Ebele all night long. 

"Chocolate chip cookies you say?" I asked, suddenly very interested in a treat. I hadn't had much of a dinner and I was never one to turn down food. Plus I found it incredibly sexy that Shea wanted to bake for me. "Well I'll believe it when I taste them,"  teased as she traipsed off to change. 

I tossed my suit coat on the back of a chair and wandered around the suite, hands in my pockets. It was far different from that of Four's. Distinct use of neutrals and leather. I was busy looking over the mounted longhorn steer head that rested over the fireplace when Shea came back out dressed in her pajamas. I scanned her form for a minute with a smile. 

"Now you look all kinds of comfy," I said, pulling her against me. "The dress was beautiful but there's something about a girl dressed down and cozy that just revs my engine." I kissed her then, deepening it just a little before pulling away. "But alas, cookies await."

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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Would I turn them? Perhaps a few, but there would be some that I wouldn't get the chance to, not with tomorrow being what it was. I respected Shea, which was more than I could say for a majority of the girls I'd been with. Her and Cecilia were now the most important people to me, the other two being at home. And while I would've loved to make Shea feel everything she could before... well, I just wish we had more time. 

When she invited me to her suite, there was a slight flicker in her eyes that made me grin. I had no expectations, but I would gladly accompany her down three floors, even if I was just going to make her tea and tuck her in. 

"I'd be silly of me to cut our night short... on the very last night," I answered with a smile. I stood up and held out my hand for her. "So of course I cannot deny the lady her request." I kissed her hand playfully, moving up her forearm before straightening. We walked together to the elevator and once inside, I removed my jacket so I could see her shoulders again. 

"Down to Ten," I said with a press of the button. 

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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"I'm all topsy turvy around you, Shea, you know that. I don't know how to act because with you I want to be better than who I am," I confessed. She made me drip wine and roses, and even so I didn't particularly mind somehow. I softened my eyes and pursed my lips playfully, looking her over. "Hmmm yes but there are still a few pages I've left to turn..." I hinted. 

She was ridiculously sexy when she was bashful. Her rosy cheeks were welcome, as she was often very pale. Plus they were a reminder of how I could make her feel, a visible sign of a heart that seemed to beat extra fast in my presence. 

As the sky grew darker, a set of string lights popped on around us, lighting up the flowers and pathways. And in this lighting she still looked amazing. "I probably shouldn't keep you out too late... tomorrow's a big day and all," I said, testing the waters. If she was feeling tired in any way, I wanted her to rest.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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Tilting my head, I tossed her a look. "Please, there's much more inside of you that you think, Ten," I corrected her. "Otherwise, I'd have figured out how you make me feel the way I do when I'm with you. You're not an open book, no, but I like that about you. When we first met... it's like you threw the summary on the back cover at me... hooked me. I just had to read more," I mused. 

When did I turn into such a cheeseball? The words felt funny on my tongue but I couldn't stop them from coming out. There was still so much to learn about her and maybe I wouldn't get to in a five minute nutshell summary of her life, but I knew the important things... and the things that mattered right this instant. 

"Never seen anything like it," I replied, staring at her and nothing else. The sun cast a warm orange glow on her skin, enough to make her shimmer just a little. Although it was probably the Capitol make-up, she still looked breathtaking. I curled my hand around hers and scooted closer before stealing a kiss from her lips.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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I was bred to murder, I was raised to batter and bruise and make death look entertaining. I had dazzled the Game Maker's enough for an 11 and if I intended on winning over Annabelle in order to help ensure my win, I would need to be fearless. As I held her, I wondered if it was possible for me to do so with her by my side. There was no way that I could second guess in the middle of a kill. I had to know. 

As I spoke, her grip on me tightened. I could feel her tense against me and I was scared it was because she knew that she'd eventually see the monster in action. She pulled away and resolved all my fears in one fell swoop, however. My eyes washed over her as a smile crept onto my features. I knew, even as she spoke, that once we were in the thick of it that she would hold her own. 

"Alright," I whispered. "Alright, good. Now you know who I am... and you know what? All I know about you is the basics... so why don't you tell me more?" I asked. The noise from below echoed and the breeze picked up, so as I asked, I guided her into the garden so she could see everything before the sun went down.

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews

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I kept going over things in my head. I should've done it sooner... I should write Erik that letter... I shouldn't have let the Game Makers deliver him to me like that... but in the end, it was a relief that it was done and I had been rewarded for it, actually. 

She cupped my cheek, guiding me until our eyes met. She didn't look down on me for it, and if she did, then... I don't know. It was the wrong time to have done it if she had. She snuggled in closer to me and I held her against me, her cheek against my rapidly beating heart. 

"I know that maybe you think that what he did to me makes it okay," I said softly. "It does and it doesn't. But the reality is that we're about to be thrown into the arena, a place where I'll have to do it again. And next time you'll have to watch me do it. Or help even. And I need to know that you'll still feel this way even when the only reason I have to kill is so I can go home."

Dorothy & the Tin Man \\ Shea & Leif \\ Post Interviews