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sephirothsplaything · 12 days

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DNA| Sec.80 high power-chapter 8

a/n: we've made it all. Lock in and pay attention cuz there's a lot of words here! This one goes out to all you Aemond wives! From here on out he's going to be a problem.

CW: mentions of sexual happenings but nothing super explicit

anyways<3

word count:3397(its worth it trust me)

below is a little gif I made with the edit version of Rhaella!

The halls of the Red Keep were something Rhaella was beginning to grow accustomed to.

The bustle of lords and handmaids alike filled the castle with traffic. Rhaella waltzed by, easily ignored by others.

Rhaenys had left Rhaella to her own devices, seeking out conversation with the king, possibly for the last time.

“I should let the guards seize you, after what you did to me.” A voice snided.

Turning around, Rhaella was faced with Aegon.

How unpleasent.

“I’m shocked you aren’t drunk at this hour, cousin,” Rhaella said.

It was mid-noon at the time of her arrival. From what she’d heard, Aegon was typically in a drunken stupor come morning.

Aegon laughed at her words, taking the liberty of stepping closer.

Far too close for Rhaella’s comfort.

“I assume you’re looking for my brother?” Aegon questioned. Rhaella averted her eyes at his gaze. He never failed to make her uncomfortable, even after all this time.

But Rhaella refused to make this known, she took a step forward in earnest.

“I’m looking for your sister, actually,” Rhaella said. This did little to alleviate the smug expression that seemed to be burned onto Aegon’s face.

“Where might she be?’

Aegon rolled his eyes, accompanied by a groan. Rhaella had already grown tired of his presence.

“ Am I my sister’s keeper?” Aegon said.

“One would think you’d care to know the doings of your wife,” Rhaella said.

Aegon grimaced at the use of the word.

“You may have my brother pussy drunk,” Aegon said, a slight slur noticeable.

Perhaps his drunkenness had finally seeped in.

“But I will not have you speak to me anyhow,” Aegon said.

Rhaella’s lips pursed slightly in annoyance. Disgusted would be the defining word for how she felt towards Aegon, but never fearful.

Fearful of what? His drunkard breath? Perhaps.

“I will speak to you however I please. “ Rhaella said. And with that, she walked down the halls.

Aegon could go pass out in a brothel for all she cared.

Arriving at one of the rooms, there sat Helaena’s son, Jaehaerys. The young boy was too occupied by his playthings to notice Rhaella’s footsteps.

She took a moment to observe Jaehaerys, the boy was only six years of age. Rhaella recalled holding his frail body at the time of his birth. It felt strange to hold a babe. She did not relish the feeling.

“Where is your mother, little one?” Rhaella asked softly. Jaehaerys looked up from his toys briefly before continuing.

“In her room, I think.” His little voice spoke. Rhaella thought about brushing the boy’s hair with her hand, as her mother used to do to her.

Rhaella decided against it. She made her way to Helaena’s quarters. The door was slightly ajar so she refrained from knocking.

“Cousin?” Rhaella called to Helaena.

Helaena looked up from her patchwork to see her beloved cousin. A warm smile spread onto her face, cheeks rose in color.

“Rhaella!” Helaena ushered her to come sit. Rhaella obliged her cousin, taking the seat next to her.

“Another embroidery?” Rhaella asked, eyeing the handiwork of her cousin.

Helaena hummed in confirmation. “It’s a spider.”

“I never had the patience for such things,” Rhaella said. She was one for histories and lectures from the maesters and septas. Rhaena was the one who excelled in sewing, arts, and music,

“It isn’t all that hard, just practice,” Helaena said. The two cousins fell into a silence familiar only to them. Rhaella watched Helaena work diligently.

“Ah!” Helaena exclaimed suddenly. Rhaella slightly jumped in surprise.

“It will be your name day in a weeks time.” Helaena said. In truth, Rhaella scarcely remembered herself. She had not celebrated the day since the death of her mother.

Rhaella watched as Helaena swiftly moved across the room, grabbing a garment into her hands.

“I had this made for you,” Helaena said enthusiastically.

Rhaella unfolded the garment. It was a dress. Rich purple silk, with gold embellishments stitched into the bust of the dress. The sleeves were long and elegant.

It was the most gorgeous thing she’d ever seen.

“Helaena...this is beautiful,” Rhaella said finally.

“I recall purple being your favorite color,” Helaena said eagerly. Only her sweet cousin would remember such a thing.

“ I did the gold bits myself, I know you prefer simple gowns,” Helaena said.

“Thank you Helaena, truly.. this is.” Rhaella was not sure how to place her gratitude.

Helaena smiled anyway. She knew Rhaella was thankful, it was more than enough for her.

“When Princess Rhaenyra is queen, I shall move into the Red Keep for you.” Rhaella decided. Originally, Rhaella had half a mind to sail back to Pentos after the princess ascended the throne.

Jace and Luke would marry Baela and Rhaena, her father would become king consort; There would be no place for her any longer.

But no more. She would not abandon her cousin to the predator that was her husband.

Helaena’s eyes glossed over with emotion. Rhaella felt compelled to continue, feeling uncharacteristically soft at the moment.

“ If I am there, Aegon wouldn’t dare to touch you.” Rhaella convicted sternly.

Helaena shrunk back slightly.

“There is a beast beneath the boards,” Helaena muttered.

Rhaella sighed. She supposed her cousin had not outgrown the bouts of incoherent musings.

“I hope to never marry, much less to a man like that,” Rhaella said, moving along.

Helaena glanced at Rhaella in confusion.

“You do not wish for a husband?” Helaena asked.

Rhaella shrugged. “There is no lord in the realm that would suit me.” She said.

Helaena smiled slightly. “No lord, perhaps a prince?”

Rhaella felt her brown cheeks grow warm. She understood the implication.

“I wouldn’t marry Aemond, I know him far too well,” Rhaella said.

Helaena hummed in thought.

“Is it not preferred to be bound to one that understands you?” Helaena asked.

For the first time, Rhaella had no answer. No profound thoughts or complex answers.

It was not a matter of understanding. It was her fear of being so known by him.

“He is not the same,” Rhaella said.

Helaena’s eyes softened. “ He still cares for you, if you’d only allow it.”

If she only allowed it. Perhaps, no harm could come from allowing such a thing.

There was no use fighting the issue any longer.

Rhaella abruptly stood, mind made up. No more games. No more control. She’d release it all.

“I’ll be seeing you, Helaena.”

Rhaella rushed out the door, Helaena’s gift in hand.

She had not the faintest clue as to what she intended to do when she saw him.

It was not like her to confess her feelings. And Rhaella knew Aemond was the same.

The same as her.

Rhaella found herself in the library. The crux of all this bother.

And Aemond was there. Naturally, she knew he would be.

Rhaella approched with caution. Aemond found refuge in the couch‘s velvet seats, book in hand.

“I thought I’d find you here,” Rhaella said. Aemond did not break from the pages of his book; He did not need to. The sounds of her voice did more than enough.

“Desperate to see me, I gather?” Aemond said. Rhaella’s hands suddenly became slick with sweat.

The enormity of her desire disgusted her.

“Believe what you’d like,” Rhaella said. She took a seat by him, peering at the book that contained his attention.

Aemond couldn’t fight the half-smirk on his face. Even in her admission, she managed to remain so haughty.

“It has only been a weeks time, yet you’ve found yourself at the Red Keep once more,” Aemond said.

“I did not come here for you, cousin,” Rhaella said. However, she would be lying if the prospect of seeing him again wasn’t half motivation for accompanying her grandmother.

Aemond hummed in response, clear disbelief.

“I was at Driftmark, my grandmother wished to visit your father and brought me along,” Rhaella said. She couldn’t be too honest, it was far too embarrassing.

“And here I thought it was my letter that brought you here,” Aemond said.

Rhaella looked up from her lap in surprise.

“You actually wrote to me?”

Aemond placed his book to the side, amusement all too apparent.

“That was your demand, was it not?” Aemond reminded.

Rhaella briefly recalled her words from before. She was hardly serious at the time.

“It must’ve arrived after I left,” Rhaella said.

Aemond looked at the dress in Rhaella’s lap, his hand brushed over the silk.

“Where’s this from?” He asked.

“Early name day gift, from your sister,” Rhaella said.

“In a weeks time, was it?” Aemond said.

Rhaella could hardly contain her girlish smile. Even after all this time, it was as if they had never left the Weirwood tree.

“In truth, I’m shocked you remember,” Rhaella said, deciding against expressing her excitement.

Aemond chuckled at Rhaella’s shock.

“As I recall, there was a time when you’d never let me forget the fact.” He said.

Aemond was older than Rhaella by a year and one. As children, Rhaella maintained that seniority meant nothing, as she’d always know more.

“ I shall be ten and eight years of age, same as you,” Rhaella said.

“Then I suppose I owe you a gift as well,” Aemond said.

The two maintained eye contact for what felt like a fortnight. Rhaella felt herself growing warm at the implication. She doubted she’d have the restraint to stop him this time.

Abruptly, Aemond stood up.

“ Come on then,” Aemond said.

Eager as she felt, Rhaella took her time in following Aemond out of the door.

They walked into the courtyards, passing by the doors.

Criston Cole, the queen’s sworn protector, stood on guard.

The buzz that Rhaella had been feeling was muted in an instant. She reverted to her ladyship state, hands folded in front of her and a bored expression on her face.

“My Prince.” Cole greeted. His eyes shifted to Rhaella with an unreadable expression. Rhaella did not have to think too hard as to who Cole would rush to report after the fact.

“Are you going somewhere?” Criston Cole asked again, completely disregarding Rhaella.

And she was thankful for it. Rhaella feared she’d be unable to control her tongue if provoked.

“I’ll be taking Vhagar, no need to follow,” Aemond said.

Rhaella supposed that was her gift.

Ser Criston bowed again, leaving them to continue.

Approaching the valleys, Rhaella made her discomfort known.

“I don’t like him.” She said.

“Ser Criston is an honorable man,” Aemond said. Rhaella rolled her eyes.

“Perhaps your version of honor is skewed,” Rhaella said.

Aemond didn’t grace Rhaella with a response.

Vhagar came into view. Her enormous body rose and fell as she softly slumbered. Rhaella paused as Aemond approached the dragon.

How long had it been since she had seen Vhagar? Since her mother’s funeral maybe.

Flurries of memories hit Rhaella at once. Her late mother had loved Vhagar with her entire being. Their bond was truly special. As a proximate, Rhaella had grown to care for the dragon as well.

When she was younger, Vhagar had always been especially soft with her. Laena had taken care to introduce baby Rhaella to Vhagar.

But that was years ago. And Vhagar had grown with a new rider.

“Well?” Aemond called out. “Get on.”

Rhaella was not so arrogant as to hold onto past memories regarding Vhagar. She was practically a stranger to the dragon.

Carefully, Rhaella made her way to the dragon, who had since woken at the appearance of her rider.

“Gaomagon ao gibigon issa?” Rhaella spoke in a gentle voice. ‘Do you remember me?’

Vhagar groaned slightly, fixing her gaze on Rhaella. Despite her fear, Rhaella stood her ground. Vhagar was her favorite after all.

“Lykiri,Vhagar,” Rhaella said. Her hand eased its way to brush the dragon’s nose, an act she had done many times as a child.

The act must’ve brought a memory back for the beast as well. Vhagar nestled into the touch.

Rhaella fought the tears forming in her eyes. Vhagar remembered her mother. Remembered her.

“Sȳz riña.” ‘good girl’ Rhaella praised. She took the liberty of using both hands to rub the scales of Vhagar all over.

“How have you been, old girl.” Rhaella cooed. “Has this one been treating you well?”

Aemond had been silent in the exchange. It was a nice moment, although he couldn’t fight the envy. Vhagar had nearly burnt him when he had first met her.

“Show off,” Aemond said simply. His hand reached out to Rhaella.

“Your jealously is known, cousin,” Rhaella said. Grabbing his hand, Rhaella was pulled onto the back of Vhagar in one fluid motion.

Aemond’s hand lingered on Rhaella’s waist for a moment before grabbing the reins.

Rhaella’s arms wrapped themselves around Aemond’s waist, admittedly hastily.

The action did not escape Aemond’s notice.

“You seem eager, my lady,” Aemond said, teasing.

Rhaella scrunched her nose at the unnecessary formality. She delivered a sharp pinch to his side.

“I have no desire to plummet to my death,” Rhaella responded, opting to ignore his tone.

Yes. She was all too eager.

Aemond took Vhagar up towards the evening skies. The wind whipped all about them, loose wisps of curls moved along Rhaella’s forehead.

Rhaella’s careful violet eyes observed the way Aemond moved in front of her. His grip on the reigns were tight as he directed Vhagar through the air.

Her mother had always used a looser grip when she mounted Vhagar. Perhaps it was a difference in bonds.

Rhaella leaned forward, chest pressing up against Aemond’s strong back.

“Where are you taking me?” Rhaella asked. Her voice carried straight to the proximity of Aemond’s ear.

“You’ll see,” Aemond responded simply. Unbeknownst to Rhaella, Aemond’s lack of words was a result of his carefully hidden flustered state.

Rhaella looked down at the passing scenery, not recognizing any of it.

“What?” Rhaella said. “Do you intend on holding me for ransom?”

Aemond couldn’t help but laugh. “If that’s what you’d like,”

Soon after, Vhagar landed in the tall grass, the vast sea in view.

Jumping down, Aemond reached up to carry Rhaella.

“I’m quite capable of getting down myself,” Rhaella said, causing Aemond to roll his eyes.

“Perhaps I should let you fall to the ground then?” Aemond said.

Rhaella glanced down at the grass. It was a way down from the massive dragon.

“Fine.” Rhaella shifted her weight as Aemond held her waist, carrying her down, causing her dress to hike up slightly.

Somehow, shame was not an emotion she found herself with. They had been in much more compromising positions previously.

Aemond did not release his grip and Rhaella couldn’t find it in herself to pull away.

“Nervous?” Rhaella asked.

“ Is that your intention?” Aemond responded.

So quick-witted, he was. One of the many things Rhaella enjoyed.

Pulling away, Rhaella sat herself on the grass. Aemond followed suit.

“Your father doesn’t have much time left,” Rhaella said. It was the first thing that came to mind.

“I suppose,” Aemond said, tone flat.

Rhaella turned to him, curiosity peaked.

“You will not mourn him?” Rhaella asked.

Aemond’s thoughts mingled together. He supposed there would be no harm to be honest.

“He was no father to me, just a spineless king,” Aemond said

Rhaella hummed. She understood.

“My father holds many things above me, I think,” Rhaella said.

Aemond’s hand found Rhaella’s in the grass, fingers brushing the top of her hand.

“He is feared in the realm,” Aemond said.

Rhaella scoffed. Daemon was the Rouge prince to all,but the Rouge father to her and her sisters.

“You admire him,” Rhaella said. There was no room for suggestion.

“Maybe I wish to be respected,” Aemond said.

Rhaella raised an eyebrow at that. She knew Aemond to long for something that affirmed his place in the realm. And she was the same.

“You wish to be a king,” Rhaella stated.

Aemond tilted his head at the statement. It was as if she was in his mind.

“You do not think I would make a good one?” Aemond said.

In truth, Rhaella did not. There was a growing darkness around Aemond that she couldn’t place. Given the opportunity for war, Rhaella was sure that Aemond would throw himself into it.

“In the way I’d make a good queen.” Rhaella scoffed.

“We would bring stability to the seven kingdoms, together,” Aemond said.

Rhaella smiled. The grin grew larger and larger until she could no longer contain her amusement, laughing loudly.

“I didn’t know you’ve taken up jests.” She said.

Aemond smiled slightly. He was serious. It escaped Rhaella’s notice.

Rhaella fell back into the grass.

“The princess will make a fine queen I think,” Rhaella said, after a while.

Aemond had no response. Perhaps he didn’t agree.

Instead, he took in the sight of Rhaella. The silver-white curls of her hair cut through the grass. Her eyes were closed, withholding those all-knowing eyes he cared for so.

Rhaella’s face was rather gentle when relaxed, one could compare her to a fawn. She scowled far too often for one to take notice.

“Rhaella,” Aemond said. His tone was calm. He had already made peace with what he was allowing himself to feel.

Rhaella sat up in response, directing her attention.

Then he kissed her. Like a man starved. The lengths of his repression no longer held weight.

And Rhaella responded. They did not need to confess what others might. It was known between them. As it was, the way it always would be.

Aemond’s body pushed Rhaella back into the grass as they continued. Somewhere along the way, the fitted corset on Rhaella’s body came loose.

The intensity of it all, there was nothing Rhaella could compare it to. Her lips found his once more, the ambiance of the surrounding area blocked out.

It was only when Aemond slid a hand underneath her undergarments did she slightly came to.

Maidenhood be dammed. It was a long time coming anyhow.

The two lay out in the grass, garments half covering their nakedness—Rhaella’s once neat braid and been reduced to messy frays. Aemond was no better, his hair was uniquely wild.

It was late into the hour of the wolf. Rhaella sat up slowly. Her fingers tangled into her hair, letting all the curls loose.

Aemond retrieved his clothing in silence however there was a self-satisfied smile on his face.

Rhaella was his.

“We should go, lest they send out the king’s guards,” Rhaella said.

Aemond hummed in agreement. He noticed that Rhaellas corset was loose. He pulled her back slightly, quick fingers lacing the backing up.

“Where’d you learn that?” Rhaella said.

“Helaena,” Aemond responded.

The pair mounted Vhagar once more. This time, Rhaella’s arms wrapped around the whole of Aemond, chin resting on his shoulder.

She couldn't deny it. Happiness had consumed her, nonchalant as she tried to be.

She need not the pact of marriage. Aemond could betroth anyone and she would not care. They’d now be tied forevermore.

They arrived back in Kingslanding. Entering the Red Keep once more, they were reluctant to part ways.

“That was an interesting gift,” Rhaella said, mirth in her voice.

“It crossed my mind to get you jewelry of some sort, but I recall you not caring much for it,” Aemond said.

“My prince?” A voice called down the hall. Ser Criston Cole. He seemed to appear anywhere she was these days.

Aemond’s hands moved away from hers. She did not protest. Their situation was...not ideal for public knowledge.

“There is something I must speak with you about..now,” Cole said. There was clear urgency on his face.

Aemond turned back to Rhaella, she wouldn’t be remiss to see the slight apologetic look on his face.

“I’m coming,” Aemond responded to Cole.

Rhaella became all too aware of the empty halls.

“Ser Criston?” Rhaella spoke. Criston Cole turned to face her. His expression was that of pure judgment. Suddenly, Rhaella felt rather self-conscious.

“Have you seen the Princess Rhaenys?” Rhaella asked.

“No,” Cole said, rather bluntly.

Aemond and Cole walked off to discuss matters unknown to Rhaella.

Rhaella carried herself back to her quarters, stripping down completely save for her underdress.

In the quiet moments between her drifting in and out of consciousness. Rhaella resolved that she would return to Driftmark on the morrow with her grandmother.

And with that, Rhaella lay limp in sleep.

#house of the dragon #black oc #oc character #daemon targaryen #aemond targaryen #black reader #rhaenyra targaryen #baela targaryen #rhaena of pentos #aemond x reader #aemond one eye #hotd aemond #aemond fanfiction #game of thrones #hotd #hotd fanfic #asoiaf #a song of ice and fire

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sephirothsplaything · 17 days

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WINNER TAKES ALL-chapter 3

a/n: I had way too much fun with this chapter btw omfg. the reader is so unserious and i low key love it.

anyways<3

word count: 2508

CW: black fem! obsessive reader, black fem! reader, reader wants Coryo so bad, she's also a fatass hypocrite btw. reader flirts with Lucy Gray! Treech is so cute in this chapter.

You were on your way to the train station,satchel filled with food.

Mostly items you weren’t fond of eating,but food regardless.

It was early in the morning before classes and you were fixed on being the first to meet your tribute before anybody else. It was all planned out in your head. Treech would thank you for being so kind and of course you would drone on about how you’d do anything to get him out of the situation.

Lost in thought, you continue on and you almost miss the flash of red that brushes past you.

Your head snaps up,seeing Coriolanus waiting in front of the train. He had beaten you to your own idea,somehow.

You think about spinning around and leaving but Coriolanus had already spotted you.

“Y/N.” Coriolanus said. His blue eyes ran all over you. It made you shudder. “You aren’t wearing makeup today.” He stated.

Your bare face had been intentional. You figured it gave you the more down to earth look,more earnest.

You didn’t address him,rather your eyes moved to the white rose in his hand.

“And what do you hope to accomplish with that?” You said, gesturing to it.

Coriolanus’s lip lifted into a slight smirk. As if he’d already figured something out.

“The same reason you have that bag of leftovers.” He said.

You hummed in response. Turning back,you watched the trains pass,looking out for the one that would have your tribute on it.

“I see you’ve decided to copy me.” Coriolanus said mockingly.

Briefly, you considered shoving him in front of a passing train. It would attract too much attention, and your grandmother would be less than pleased.

“Or.” You said. You spared him a quick glance. His hair was annoyingly soft looking today.

“You lack the ability to create an original idea.” You said. Coriolanus scoffed at your suggestion.

“I assume Sejanus doesn’t know what you’re up to?” Coriolanus said. “I know you enjoy checking in with him.”

Maybe you would follow through with the train thing.

“Those tesserae buttons you wore on your shirt yesterday.” You said coolly. Coriolanus blinked at you in confusion.

“You said they reminded you of the maid's quarters,but I'm sure your cousin made them from the tile.” You said.

“I imagine there's not much need for a maid these days,or funds rather.”

Coriolanus’s face fell into a dark raged expression. The hand that gripped the rose shook.

You gave him a sickly sweet smile. Putting him in his place has always been the better part of your day.

If Coriolanus had a rebuttal,it had been cut off by the screeching sound of the train coming to a stop. The door of the train slid open. A boy stepped down,looking exhausted. You couldn’t remember his name or what district he was from.

You made a note to study up on that later. The boy helps carry down a small framed girl.

Chocolate brown hair. Rainbow dress. Lucy Gray Baird.

She was pretty,no doubt. She had large brown eyes that you thought put Sejanus’s to shame.

You watched as Coriolanus approached her, the two engaging in conversation. Boredom began to set in. Where was your tribute? This was taking entirely too long.

Your head tilts slightly as you watch Coriolanus give Lucy Gray a smile.

He was incredibly preformative.

Walking over to him,your eyes fixed on the small girl. Coriolanus shot you an alarmed look that you ignored.

“I was wondering when I'd get to see the songbird up close.” You said.Your eyes ran over the material of Lucy Gray’s dress. The rainbow pattern had most likely once been brilliant in color,but had since faded with time.

Lucy Gray gave you a confident smile. It was convincing. But you were sure she had become tense in your presence.

“Well here I am.” She said, hands accompanying her action in a showy fashion.

You took an immediate liking to her. Too bad she would be dead in a week's time.

“You have a beautiful voice.” You said. Your voice had grown lofty,almost flirty. You knew what you were doing. Coriolanus did his best to hide the annoyed expression on his face.

“Well aren’t you a sweetheart.” Lucy Gray said, her accented drawl was thick.

Yeah. She was a spectacle for sure.

“I’m sorry, didn’t catch your name?” She asked. Before you could answer Coriolanus cut you off,having more than enough of your antics.

“This is Y/N, she’s my classmate.” He said, trying to keep some level of calm.

Lucy Gray smiled in thought,eyes flitting between the two of you.

“Oh, I get it.” Lucy Gray said. “I’m sure your boyfriend wouldn’t run off with little ol’ me.”

The pleasantries immediately dropped from your face. You grew cold at the thought.

You’d sooner jump into the arena than be attached to him in such a way.

“No,classmate, like he said.” You said,tone flat. A tense silence settled between the three of you.

Coriolanus pulls Lucy Gray away from you, creating a distance. You found great satisfaction in his discomfort.

Suddenly, a pile of tributes toppled out of the train,being herded around by the peacekeepers.

Your eyes weeded through all the dirty tributes,looking for yours.

And there he was. His gray jacket was tattered and his hands were bruised. There was a girl by him,his district partner. Lamina,you think her name was.

A peacekeeper grabs Treech by the arm,ushering him to the next train. You walk up to the both of them,not sparing a glance to the white soldier.

“I need a minute.” You said. The peacekeeper didn’t argue. He knew who you were,they all did.

Treech wore a guarded expression as he analyzed you. You offered up the softest smile you could muster.

“They didn’t hurt you on the way here did they?” You asked gently. You spoke smoothly so as not to startle him.

“Why do you care?” Treech asked. He gave you a brief up and down,scowling deeper. With your academy uniform,it was overwhelmingly obvious that you were capitol.

Naturally,he hated you by default.

“Well I'm your mentor.” You said with an enthusiasm he did not match. Treech scoffed at this.

“So,you’re here to watch me die?” He said.

You’d do everything in your power to prevent that. You had to win.

“I’m here to help you win.” You said. Treech’s eyebrows furrowed,mulling over your words.

Seeing an opening,you took the liberty of stepping a little closer to him. Upon further inspection,he was rather handsome.

That’s good.

“I’m not actually supposed to be here.” You admitted. More peacekeepers were making their way to the trains. You didn’t have much time.

“But, I really wanted to see you.” You said Treech’s eyes widened slightly at the statement.

“Alright that's enough.�� A peacekeeper shouted to the two of you. He dragged Treech away from you. Treech met your eyes as if there was something you could do.

“Be careful with him,asshole!” You shouted,for good measure of course.

All the tributes were roughly shuffled onto a train. You watched from a distance,arms crossed. You silently hoped that the reckless peacekeepers would spare your tribute's face,at the very least.

You looked down at the bag of food still slung over you. Honestly, you weren't sure when you would have the chance to give it to him.

Your attention turned to Coriolanus,who seemed deep in thought. You didn’t have to guess what he might’ve been thinking. Despite being disgusted by him,you knew him well.

He feels hopeless with the songbird as a tribute. Lucky for you.

You watched as he turned to the peacekeepers and then towards the train,contemplating. Then,he jumped into the open door of the train cart.

Unable to hide the shock on your face,you looked around to see if anyone had witnessed…well,his pure desperation.

Coriolanus wasn’t stupid and he didn’t jump onto that train for fun. He had a plan.

“Fuck.” You cursed. He was going to one up you,yet again. Against your sane judgment , you slip past the chaos of the peacekeepers and step into the train cart as well.

The cart was suffocating, but you swallowed the urge to step off. If he could do it then so could you.

“What?” Coriolanus said,voice cocky. “You’re following me around now?”

Well..you were. Among the urge to not be outdone,there was something else slowly boiling inside you.

Curiosity? No that wasn’t it.

“Are you two in the wrong cage?” A voice spoke. It was another tribute. You remembered his name. And how could you not? Reaper. Another wall on your path to victory.

You had no words for him. There was no denying it,you were scared shitless being surrounded by grimy district. The smell alone was enough to make you hurl.

Why did you come here again?

You shuffled awkwardly to the company of Lamina and Treech,standing between the two of them. You hid the bag of food between Treech’s body and your own. He looked down at it,and then to you.

“No,this cage is delightful.” Coriolanus said. You’d roll your eyes if you weren’t so focused on not shaking right now.

Reaper lunged at Coriolanus,pinning him to the wall.You half hoped he would kill Coriolanus. That would eliminate at least eighty percent of your issues.

You scooted a little closer to Treech. Maybe he’d take the hint that you were totally out of your comfort zone.

“Don’t rough him up too much,he’s my mentor.” Lucy Gray said. In your fear,you hadn’t even noticed she was sitting there. Her eyes caught yours as she raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Yeah.You couldn’t believe it either.

“What’s a mendor?” A small voice asked. The little girl from district eleven.

“A mentor.” Coriolanus corrected her. “And you all get one,like he does.” He gestured to you and Treech.

“So seven gets the pretty girl and twelve gets you,where’s ours?” Another voice asked.

“Just not inspired,I guess.” Lucy Gray said. You didn’t miss the discreet smirk Coriolanus sent her way.

Something about that irked you.

Suddenly, the door of the train opened. You and Coriolanus were tipped off the train alongside the other tributes. It was absolute mayhem, bodies slip and slid as the train shifted.

Unable to stand,you fell to the ground. You felt a hand grab yours,Treech.

You fought the urge to shriek as you were met with the hard ground. Slowly,you managed to stand up.

You were in the zoo. The place where tributes were kept until it was time to enter the arena.

You felt like dying.

Looking around,you spotted Coriolanus standing with Lucy Gray. Despite only meeting today,it didn’t escape your observation that they seemed to be close already.

That was annoying.

Through the bars,you notice Lucky Flickerman and his obnoxious camera’s already rolling. Every moment counted for you.

You walked over to Treech who was busy brushing the dust off of his ratty coat.

“Come with me.” You whispered to him,grabbing his hand. Treech made his attempts to pull away but you wouldn’t allow it.

“You want to win?” You asked,your eyes were laser focused on Coriolanus and Lucy Gray. They had the right idea,already making themselves known to the camera.

You would do one better. “They need to notice you.” You said.

Approaching the bar,you gave your most winning smile. Lucky noticed you,shock apparent in his eyes,but you knew he’d play along.

“And what a surprise,it seems Mr.Snow’s idea is quite infectious!” Lucky exclaimed. You fought against rolling your eyes. You were the one who arrived first to the train station after all.

“I can’t speak about my fellow classmates' motivation.” You spoke, Coriolanus eyed you down,not quite a glare, but he certainly wasn’t happy about it.

That made your smile grow slightly larger.

“I was especially eager to see my tribute up close.” You said. You made a big show of turning your attention to Treech,eyes wide with affection. You figured if someone like you made Treech seem so desirable, then maybe the audience would feel compelled to keep him alive.

Treech froze at your eye contact, seemingly stuck. It looked like you’d be the one doing all the work.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be working with district seven.” You said with an eagerness that made you want to cringe.

“You sir.” Lucky Flickerman gestured to Treech. You gripped his hand tighter.

“Treech”. He corrected hesitantly. Lucky blinked in surprise.

“Right..Treech trust me when I say you are very lucky to have Y/N as a mentor.” Lucky said.

“It's time to go.” A stern voice cut through. A couple of peacekeepers had come to spoil your fun.

One last thing. You needed to do something drastic.

You pushed the bag of food to Treech,placing it in his hands.

“This is for you,I won’t have you starve any longer, okay?” You said. There was no description on your end this time. You had no use for a weakened dog.

Treeches' eyes shifted to Lamina briefly,but you caught it anyway.

“Share with her if you’d like,there's more than enough.” You said.

A peacekeeper gripped your arm,ushering you to move.

One last thing. A spectacle.

Ensuring you were in square view of the cameras,you placed a kiss on Treech’s cheek before being dragged off by peacekeepers alongside Coriolanus.

You would never hear the end of it. And you were more than ready for the gossip.

The peacekeepers left you and Coriolanus alone in the halls of the train station. There was silence.

“I guess I severely underestimated how desperate you’d be.” Coriolanus snipped. If someone else had said it,maybe you’d rise above and let it be.

But Coriolanus always managed to bring out the absolute worst in you.

In one swift motion,you clutched his shirt in your hands and shoved him up against an adjacent wall.

“Stay out of my way,I won’t ask again.” You said. The two of your eyes locked intensely for a moment.

Coriolanus’s eyes clouded with an emotion you couldn’t quite place. And honestly,besides anger,you didn’t know how to address the other emotions boiling in you.

Coriolanus’s large hands softly brushed yours,grabbing them off of him. And you let him.

“I think I like you without makeup,makes you look innocent.” He said.

Coriolanus took a moment to move your braids off your shoulder before walking off.

That day, you realized a couple things.

Coriolanus would not in fact stay out of your way.

He found pleasure in irritating you.

Oh and one last thing.

All these factors made him ridiculously attractive to you.

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