slaymitchabernathy - Tumblr blog

slaymitchabernathy · 22 hours ago

Text

Bodyguard

| i started this on july 13, 2024, since starting this drabble, i have seen beyonce in concert & saw her perform this song live & deserve a timeout just for that. | "They couldn't catch you, and they never will, sometimes I hold you closer just to know you're real. Tell me your problems, I take how you feel, I show you an exit, when you're restless, I take the wheel." |

“And what might you say is the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome in your career, Ms. Nightingale?”

Soarynn bites her lip at the question, the very good question that she doesn’t know the answer to. So much has happened in her twenty years of life, that it would be hard to pin it down to just one moment.

“I’d say…I would say losing my parents,” she decides, earning her a sympathetic look from the interviewer. “I was so young when it happened, and due to the war, I wasn’t able to properly mourn or even process their deaths until a much later time.”

The interviewer swallows and writes down her words, nodding along. “That is indeed a large obstacle to overcome. The death of a parent is no small burden.” Soarynn sighs and runs her fingers through her long blonde hair, “No, it is not. But, they left me with a prosperous future, and I couldn’t be more thankful for where I’ve ended up.”

“What a wonderful way of thinking. That’s all I have for you, Ms. Nightingale. Thank you for your time, and good luck tonight.”

Soarynn offers the man a kind smile and shakes his hand before he stands up to take his leave. She watches him walk out the doors and waits for them to close before she slouches on the sofa, “Was that the last one for today?”

Her loyal assistant, Eudora Trinket, responds within seconds. “Yes. And don’t forget that you have a fitting right before your show.” Soarynn groans, but she knows that Eudora won’t let her get out of a fitting as important as this one.

This particular fitting is for the dress she’ll wear when she performs on live television for all of Panem to witness and, more importantly, President Ravenstill.

Being a singer isn’t for the faint of heart. Soarynn supposes that those in the Districts have it far worse than she does here in the Capitol. The problems she faces are passionate fans, countless interviews, and sometimes very long shows.

She loves it, though, she wouldn’t trade it for the world. She loves to sing, always has, and always will. To be able to share her gift with the world has been more than she could ever imagine.

It’s granted her access to things beyond her imagination. Doors have opened for her as she’s grown to be one of the most famous singers in the Capitol. She has all the gowns and shoes she could ever want. She gets treatments done on her hair on a regular basis, along with her nails and skin.

She’s living the dream.

“All right,” she sighs, “will I be able to go home before the show tonight, or will it be straight to the theater?” Oftentimes with her demanding schedule, Soarynn bounces from place to place without returning home until the curtains have finally closed.

“You should be able to go home and get ready,” Eudora tells her, walking over with her trusty binder in hand.

When Soarynn was discovered singing in a small bar, she was signed with an agency that introduced her to Eudora, who’s the most organized person she’s ever met in her entire life. She’s ensured over the past few years that Soarynn has always been on time and where she needs to be.

She’d be terribly lost without Eudora to guide her.

“Since we have a few minutes,” Eudora glances down at her wristwatch, “we might as well go over the upcoming week. On Monday, we have that interview with Flickerman, so prepare yourself, dear. On Tuesday, you have rehearsals to get ready for your performance on Friday. On Wednesday…”

Soarynn doesn’t mean to tune her out but she’s so terribly bored at this point in the day. It’s been interview after interview today and all she wants to do is go home and relax. Her eyes drift across the room to the doors that many people have entered and exited through. All except her.

And they’re guarded by him.

Her bodyguard.

Coriolanus Snow is a terribly handsome man, almost too handsome to be in such a line of work, in her opinion. He’s tall, so tall even when she wears heels. He’s broad-shouldered and stronger than any man she’s ever seen. His jaw is sharp, and he has such a light shade of blonde hair that it’s nearly white in certain lighting.

His piercing blue eyes never fail to make her lose her breath.

Both of them make brief eye contact before he looks away, and Soarynn slouches even further into the sofa. He’s terribly distracting when she’s trying to work. It doesn’t help that he’s been tasked with keeping her safe at all times. He’s her shadow. A loyal servant who would gladly lay down his life to protect hers.

He follows her everywhere, interviews, fittings, shows. Wherever Soarynn walks, Coriolanus is right behind her.

He’s very polite, always making sure she’s well taken care of, no matter where they are. Once Soarynn reached a certain status of celebrity in the Capitol, he was assigned to protect her from any outside threats. Soarynn doubts any Capitol citizen would ever try to harm her, but she’s glad for his protection either way.

"That should be it, dear," Eudora finishes with a sigh, closing her binder, "you have a few minutes to relax before you're whisked away to your fittings, so use them wisely." Soarynn plans to use them by going to the restroom and touching up her makeup after a long day of interviews.

The room she's in contains several sofas and tables, perfect for different backdrops for recorded interviews. Soarynn pushes herself from the sofa and brushes her hair behind her ears. As big as this room is, there's no bathroom, which means a quick walk down the hall.

Coriolanus watches her approach the doors before he finally opens them for her and follows behind her. Soarynn wishes he'd talk to her more, even if it's just polite table talk. He's worked for her for so long, and yet she knows nothing about him. And after the number of interviews he's sat through, he knows everything about her.

It's childish, but it's not fair in her opinion.

She can smell him behind her, the scent of roses constantly lingers around Coriolanus, and she's now associated the smell with the safety that comes with him.

Once they reach the restroom, Coriolanus goes in first, doing a full sweep of the premises. Soarynn has yet to come in contact with anyone wishing to do her harm, but the way Eudora acts leads her to believe that she's the President of Panem.

Coriolanus appears a moment later and nods for her to go ahead now that he’s deemed the restroom safe. Soarynn offers him a small smile before slipping into the restroom and closing the door behind her.

Her makeup has held up well throughout the day, but then again, she doesn't wear much. Just some mascara and blush, over the years, Soaryn's found that makeup can begin to wear down under the bright stage lights. And she's always been blessed with beauty.

Soarynn combs her fingers through her hair, pleased with how long it's gotten. It's been weeks since she's gotten a trim, but she knows that her Prep Team will want to get her back in the salon sooner rather than later. There's always something to do when it comes to appearances.

Soarynn turns on the sink before using the restroom, feeling a bit awkward with Coriolanus standing right outside the door. Once she's done, she washes her hands and dries them, stopping in her tracks when she hears two male voices outside, one of them belonging to Coriolanus.

Soarynn doesn't mean to eavesdrop, but she can't help but press her ear against the door, listening to bits of the conversation.

"...lots of detail on Friday, so she should be fine."

Soarynn doesn't recognize this voice, but Coriolanus works with lots of men to keep her and other important Capitol figures safe. It's possible that they have to discuss certain things about upcoming events, such as her performance on Friday for President Ravenstill.

"Yes, she'll be in and out after her performance," Coriolanus concludes, and she swallows at his deep, timber voice.

"I've heard whispers about a possible attack," the other man says, lowering his voice even more, "Rebels are conspiring again."

She hears Coriolanus give a dismissive scoff, "I doubt there will be any attacks, at least not on the President."

"Maybe not, but maybe on her or someone else, someone who represents the Capitol, you know how they are, Snow, they hurt one of us, they hurt all of us."

Soarynn shivers at the thought of being attacked on Friday, of being hurt on purpose so the Rebels can send a message. She's already lost both of her parents. What more can they take from her?

"I'd like to see them try to hurt Ms. Nightingale," Coriolanus replies, his tone confident, not at all worried by these rumors, which makes her feel better. "Or anyone, for that matter. The Mansion will be on a tight lockdown, no one in or out without permission."

Soarynn has been in the restroom long enough and she pushes the door open, looking up at the two men who cease all conversations the second she's in their sights. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she says sweetly.

Next to Coriolanus is another tall man with dark curly hair and a kind look in his eyes. "Not at all, Ms. Nightingale. I was just relaying some information to Coriolanus," he says, curtly bowing at the waist before giving Coriolanus a knowing look. "I'll see you on Friday."

Coriolanus nods, focusing his attention back onto Soarynn, who opens her mouth to say something but doesn't. There's no point.

"Back to the sitting room?" He inquires, and Soarynn merely nods, allowing him to trail after her. Even as she sits back on the sofa while people run around to prepare for her fitting, she feels perfectly safe with Coriolanus guarding the doors.

Which causes her to wonder a lot of things about Coriolanus Snow.

Most importantly, if he weren't being paid to do so, would he still lay down his life for her?

꧁ ꧂

Friday rolls around with a strange feeling of dread for Soarynn. She doesn't know why, but perhaps it has something to do with the conversation she overheard in the restroom the other day. She's spent the entire week wondering if there's going to be an attack, wondering if the President is aware, if precautions are being taken.

Her Prep Team helps her into the dress that was custom-made for her to wear tonight. It's a pretty white thing, clinging to her figure, very flattering against her skin tone. "What do you think the guest list will look like?" Imogen whispers to Jadis who grins, the Preps almost always come with Soarynn to these events and they live for the gossip and drama.

Soarynn doesn't really care for the drama, but she does enjoy mingling with the interesting guests, and she loves seeing the different fashion choices. "Oh, lots of senators," Jadis says, tucking another piece of hair into the intricate updo they did with Soarynn's hair. Soarynn doesn't really care for politics either, but it's a great honor to be invited to perform for the President, politics or not.

"Alright, sweetie, you should be good to go," Lavender says, patting Soarynn's shoulder. "Everyone is going to be talking about how radiant you look!" Soarynn blushes, often, she's complimented on her natural beauty, but that doesn't mean that she wants to draw attention to it.

She loves to sing, not model and show off.

Eudora teeters in a second later, wearing a new wig with eyelashes to match. "Good, you're right on schedule," she notes, "the car will be here any minute to pick us up." The Preps squeal in excitement, cleaning up all the tools they brought with them while Soarynn looks at her complexion in the full-body mirror.

She looks like the picture of Capitol wealth, graceful, elegant, and sophisticated.

"Oh, you really are a most beautiful creature, dear," Eudora says lovingly, patting Soarynn's cheek. Eudora might be Soarynn's agent, but she's also become a bit of a mother figure for Soarynn, who would be so lost without her.

Soarynn smiles, words of praise are constantly thrown at her, but when it comes from Eudora Trinket, you know it's the truth. "Thank you, Eudora. I have been quite nervous about tonight," Soarynn admits.

Her beloved cat, Petunia, prances into the room with her fluffy tail high in the air. She loves nights like this when everyone is in Soarynn's apartment, only because it means that she gets lots of attention. Eudora waves Soarynn's nerves off, "Please, you've been practicing all week, dear! It'll be fine. You'll go up there, thank President Ravenstill, sing your song, and leave."

Soarynn nods, though she doesn't entirely share Eudora's confidence. She's always been so sure of herself.

"We're ready!" Imogen trills from the hallway, "And the car just arrived!"

Eudora takes Soarynn's hand, "Let's go, dear. The President awaits!"

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn and the Preps look out the car windows as they drive up to the side entrance of the President's Mansion. The entire house has been lit up for tonight, and Soarynn can see people through the windows, already partying.

The car comes to a stop, and the door opens. The Preps flood out onto the gravel driveway, gasping and pointing at the grandeur the Mansion possesses. Eudora goes out next, and Soarynn follows behind her, accepting the hand that's offered to her.

She blushes when she realizes whose hand it is. Coriolanus looks handsome as ever in his black suit. His curls are slicked back tonight, and he's wearing a white rose pinned to his lapel. His bright blue eyes find her stormy ones, and for a moment, neither of them lets go.

"Come along, Soarynn!"

Coriolanus lets go of her hand, and they make their way into the President's Mansion. A few cameras flash, capturing the two of them walking side by side. Soarynn is amazed by the interior of this massive home the second she crosses the threshold.

The ceilings are so high, with crystal chandeliers. People mill around the grand foyer, enjoying drinks and conversation, but Eudora keeps them right on track and practically drags Soarynn down a massive hallway filled with more people and food.

Everywhere Soarynn looks, there's food and alcohol.

Soarynn is pulled left and right into different conversations with people she didn't even know existed. She had been a bit worried that she might be overdressed, but if anything, she's underdressed. Everyone has pulled out all the stops for tonight. Soarynn spots some wild fashion choices.

Every step she takes, Coriolanus is right there with her. He doesn't say a word, but his constant presence comforts her in a strange manner.

"Such young talent," an older man comments, reaching out to touch her bare shoulder. Soarynn manages a polite smile but feels uncomfortable being touched by a stranger. Coriolanus clears his throat, taking a step towards them. "I think you're needed in the ballroom."

Soarynn quickly nods and excuses herself despite the gentleman's crestfallen face.

Soarynn follows Coriolanus back out into the hallway, taking a deep breath now that she's not so overwhelmed. The dining room was filled with long tables that had every food imaginable, but Soarynn felt too nervous to eat anything.

"Um, where exactly did Eudora need me?" She asks, gazing up at her loyal protector. Coriolanus offers her a sheepish grin. "I lied. I could see how uncomfortable you were with that man touching you."

Soarynn is surprisingly touched by his actions. He didn't have to step in and divert the situation. She wasn't in any immediate danger.

"Oh," she says softly, doing her best to hide her smile, "well, thank you. That was very kind." Coriolanus hums, looking at the giant doors that lead into the ballroom. "You probably are needed in the ballroom, though, lots of people to talk to."

Soarynn tries to hide her disappointment. It's an honor to be invited to this event, but she's already overwhelmed, and after hearing his conversation the other day, she's on edge too. What if there is an attack? A shooting? A stabbing? The possibilities are endless.

But if Coriolanus doesn't seem worried, then perhaps she shouldn't be worried either.

"I think I just need some fresh air," she easily lies.

Coriolanus looks uncomfortable; his job is to keep her safe, not keep her company. But he'll follow her wherever she goes, so Soarynn chooses to go down a random hallway, away from all the fuss.

Soarynn finds a set of doors that lead outside to a small courtyard. The cool evening air feels wonderful on her skin after being in that stuffy house. "Much better," she breathes, looking up at the stars in the sky.

"We shouldn't stay out here too long," Coriolanus tells her, closing the doors behind him. Soarynn frowns, maybe there is something happening that she doesn't know about. Coriolanus does look a little tense, his head on a swivel, eyes darting around the exposed space.

Does he have a gun? What can he even do to protect her?

Soarynn hasn't ever needed to be rescued before.

"Is something wrong?"

He shakes his head with a tight-lipped smile. "Nothing is wrong, Ms. Nightingale."

Soarynn steps towards him, stepping over a line in the process. "Please, call me Soarynn. We've known each other long enough."

"It's not procedure, Ms. Nightingale," he explains, "I'm your security detail."

Of course he is.

Soarynn doesn't know why she ever thought this could be anything more than what it already is. She was so stupid to think that there might be a possibility of this going beyond the surface. "Right. Well, I just need a few minutes, and then we can go back inside."

"As you wish, Ms. Nightingale."

Soarynn turns, unable to face him after that. She walks towards the shrubbery, gently touching the petals of a rose growing from the branches. Soarynn sighs, there are plenty of single men in the Capitol, but the one man she wants, she can't have.

Just as she's about to turn back to leave, she catches something moving on the other side of the shrub. "Did you see that?" She asks, turning back towards Coriolanus. He looks up from his shoes, confused about what she's even talking about.

"See what?"

Soarynn looks back through the branches, but there's nothing there.

"Nothing. It's nothing, never mind. We should go back inside."

Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, opening the doors for her. Soarynn walks past him, feeling confused and hungry. At least she can take care of one of those things right now. They walk back towards the dining room, but Eudora finds Soarynn before she can get near the buffet.

"Soarynn! There you are, dear! Come, come, the President is about to give his big welcome speech."

Soarynn plasters on a fake smile and allows Eudora to pull her towards the ballroom. There are even more people in the ballroom, but their attention is on the President climbing the steps to the stage where Soarynn will perform.

President Ravenstill is getting older by the day, and soon, someone will have to take his place. Soarynn looks around the room, wondering if maybe someone in here will be the one to take on the job. She spots the Preps standing by the windows with champagne glasses in their hands. Imogen waves at her, clearly drunk.

At least someone's having a good time.

"Thank you all for coming together tonight to celebrate what a great nation we are," the President says into the microphone. He doesn't look worried about any potential threats, and if there were any, he would be the first to know about them. Soarynn looks over at the far right wall, where all the guests' security detail can be seen standing next to one another.

Soarynn easily spots Coriolanus from the group. He stands much taller than the rest of them and has a more serious look on his face. His piercing gaze meets her soft one for just a moment before they both look away.

"Come along, dear, right this way," Eudora whispers, leading them towards the side of the stage. Soarynn looks around the massive ballroom, amazed by the intricate carvings on the ceiling. They come to a stop right by the stairs, and Soarynn is given instructions on where to stand when she gets on stage.

"Remember," Eudora says, "you're young, talented, and pretty."

Soarynn nods. What else could possibly matter but those three traits?

She looks back over at Coriolanus and finds him transfixed on her, watching her every move. Feelings aside, he must hate when she's not in his direct line of sight, as it makes his job much harder.

"...and now, this young lady who needs no introduction. If you have good taste in talent, then you already know who she is. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Soarynn Nightingale."

The room breaks into applause as Soarynn gracefully climbs the steps. She's greeted by President Ravenstill, who shakes her hand, causing ten cameras to go off, capturing the moment.

Soarynn is left to her own talents, so to speak, and the room feels much bigger up here. She swallows, stepping towards the microphone.

"Thank you, President Ravenstill," she says, "it's an honor to be here tonight with all of you. I'll be singing a new song tonight." Several murmurs spread across the room. Soarynn became rather famous for singing the national anthem, and since then, she's blossomed with new songs.

A new song is a treat.

Soarynn glances back over at Coriolanus. It's very hot in here all of a sudden.

"It's called 'I Can't Remember Love' and I hope you all like it."

Soarynn nods at the pianist who sits to her left. She's been practicing all week. Nothing can go wrong.

"I remember springtime, I remember when it rained I remember nighttime, the happiness and pain I remember you, but I can't remember love When I do, when I do I remember nature, and many other things I remember Big Joe Turner, what he sounds like when he sings I remember you, but I can't remеmber love When I do, whеn I do Was it only yesterday, or many moons ago When love turned and walked away Where, oh where did it go I remember as a child, I played with kings and queens I remember growing older, losing childish things I remember you, yet I want to remember love And I do, and I do And I do"

Silence can only be heard for a split second before the room erupts in applause. Soarynn smiles, relieved to have gotten her performance over with. She looks at Eudora, who appears to be very proud of her. She hears the Preps calling for an encore, even though someone will be coming on after her.

Soarynn looks at Coriolanus once more and finds him clapping with everyone else. She never gets to see his reactions to her singing, he's always tucked away in the wings when she sings on stage.

Soarynn is about to thank the crowd when she sees movement coming from outside the windows near the Preps.

It all happens so quickly. The breaking glass. The shouts. The screams. The gunshots.

Soarynn swears she hears a bullet fly past her, nearly missing her face. Her eyes grow wide in a panic as the entire room is swept up in fear. People push over one another to escape while masked men break in and try to cause as much chaos as possible.

Eudora gets whisked away with Peacekeepers along with the President, leaving Soarynn to stand like a statue on stage, petrified with fear.

She watches one masked invader, maybe the one she saw in the courtyard, fire his gun into the air. Soarynn flinches at the noise, she's never been around a gun before. She's no stranger to violence due to the war, but this is different.

He looks up at her with nothing but hatred in his eyes and aims his gun at her.

This is it, she thinks, time to see my parents again.

The gun fires, but the bullet never finds its target. Soarynn is tackled to the ground by a large, unknown force. They both groan when they hit the floor. Soarynn smells roses and immediately knows that Coriolanus has come to save her.

Her hero.

"Coriolanus," she gasps, pushing herself up on her elbows.

"Let's get you out of here," he grunts, grabbing her waist to pull her up.

Everything happens so quickly once she's on her feet. Coriolanus wields his own weapon, a small handheld gun, and grabs her hand, guiding her to a set of hidden doors behind the stage. Soarynn would've never known they were there, but she supposes that he's been briefed on these sorts of secrets.

They run down a narrow hallway and pass by several armed Peacekeepers running towards the danger instead of away from it. Soarynn pants, trying to keep up with Coriolanus and his long legs. She didn't realize how tall he was until now.

"This way," he pulls her to the left down another hallway.

Soarynn looks over her shoulder, worried that someone might be pursuing them, but the hallway is empty. Coriolanus kicks open another door, and they're back in the Mansion, in some random sitting room from the looks of it. Soarynn catches her breath while Coriolanus scans the room, checking for threats.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Soarynn shakes her head, she is unscathed from the attack as far as she knows. "I'm fine," she pants, resting a hand on the wall. "Who was that? Were those Rebels?"

"Looks like it," he grumbles, reaching into his pocket to pull out what must be some kind of communication device. Soarynn watches as he presses several buttons, and muffled, static voices come through on their end.

"...still in the ballroom..."

"... secured the President..."

"...Snow, do you copy?"

Coriolanus lifts the device to his mouth. "I copy. We're in the West Wing of the Mansion. Over."

"Is Nightingale secured?"

Coriolanus glances at Soarynn, who's really starting to wonder just what's going on and how long the attackers have been planning this.

"Nightingale is secure. Taking her home. Over."

He pockets the device and holds out his hand, "We'll have to go out the back. Eudora is already waiting for us." Soarynn lets out a sigh of relief. It would be horrible if Eudora ended up getting hurt. "Any news of my Prep Team?" She asks, gingerly taking his hand. Coriolanus pulls her into the hallway, looking left and right before moving further along.

"No news on your Prep Team yet," he tells her, "but it'll take us a minute to get everyone tracked down." Soarynn replays the attack in her head: the glass shattering, the gun aimed right at her, the bullet nearly missing her head. She could have died. But Coriolanus saved her.

"Were those Rebels? Did they plan out that attack?"

A conflicted look crosses his normally stoic face as if debating whether or not to tell the truth. Soarynn doesn't really see what the point is, not when the cat's literally out of the bag now.

"There have been whispers," he says quietly, rounding a corner, "but we never thought they'd be so bold as to attack tonight. I thought they might've waited for a smaller event."

It takes Soarynn a second to realize that this is probably the longest conversation she's ever had with her bodyguard. They usually speak with five words or fewer. She won't be the one to ruin this moment, though.

"Oh, I see. Will they attack anywhere else? What if there are more groups?" Soarynn begins to imagine the absolute worst, the streets being overrun by Rebels, innocent women and children being slaughtered, Petunia shot on sight.

"No, they don't have the manpower to do that," Coriolanus says almost casually. If he doesn't believe in the Rebels' capabilities, then maybe she shouldn't either. Maybe this was a one-time thing. At least, this is the first attack Soarynn's ever heard of. Have there been more?

They make a few more turns and end up coming out of a back entrance where many other guests have gathered in what must be the gardens. Soarynn immediately spots Eudora and lets go of Coriolanus to run over to her.

"Eudora! Thank goodness!"

The older woman runs to her as well, and they embrace in a tight hug. "I was so worried about you," Eudora breathes, squeezing her tight, "I can't believe this happened. I mean, to us of all people!"

Leave it to Eudora to make it all about them.

"It's a terrible situation," Soarynn easily agrees, not wanting to argue with Eudora right now. Coriolanus comes up to them, even in the dark of night, he looks so noble and handsome. "Are you ladies alright? Any injuries?"

Eudora scoffs, glaring at anyone near them. "Please, only my pride and dignity. I was nearly tackled by a Peacekeeper!"

Soarynn does her best not to laugh, and Coriolanus presses his lips into a thin line, trying not to smile. "I'm sure they meant you no harm, Ms. Trinket." Eudora swats at his arm, "I don't care what they meant! Imagine if someone saw me! Eudora Trinket lying on the floor, tackled by security. They'll be sure to make a fool out of me in the tabloids," she scowls.

"No one noticed," Soarynn promises her, "everyone was too busy trying to run away to notice you getting tackled."

Truly, Soarynn doesn't know how anyone could be focusing on Eudora being tackled while bullets were flying through the air. "Was anyone else injured?" She asks Coriolanus worriedly.

"I'll have to find out," he answers, "but they want all high-priority guests to be escorted home for security measures. They'll bring your car around in a minute."

Soarynn still doesn't see the Preps, and she doesn't have a minute! "Did you see the Preps, Eudora? I last saw them in the ballroom."

"No, I haven't, dear. But I'm sure they'll turn up."

They spend the next few minutes looking for the Preps but come up short. Soarynn sees a few wounded guests being carried away on stretchers and even hears gunshots coming from inside the Mansion.

Tonight is a disaster.

"Your car is here, Ms. Nightingale. Right this way."

"Finally," Eudora huffs, brushing past Soarynn, "I never want to come back here again!"

Eudora is being a tad bit dramatic, but her pride is wounded, evidently so. Soarynn follows her and Coriolanus to the car, feeling a little confused about what just took place minutes ago. She'll need to see a doctor to make sure she doesn't have any lasting symptoms from surviving the attack.

Eudora fusses the entire car ride until they reach her townhouse, and she slaps Coriolanus away when he goes to open the car door for her. "I am more than capable of doing things by myself," she snaps, getting out of the car, "I'll call you tomorrow, Soarynn, right after I call the Peacekeepers Precinct and get that one man fired! Goodnight!"

She slams the door shut, leaving Soarynn and Coriolanus alone in the car.

"She'll get over it," Soarynn says more to herself than to Coriolanus. The car pulls away, now headed towards the Corso where Soarynn lives. She looks across at Coriolanus, wondering what he's thinking about right now. Once she goes home, will he go back to the scene of the attack?

"Do you live around here?"

Coriolanus looks surprised by her question. Soarynn knows so little about him despite him being her constant shadow. "I do," he answers, giving no further detail. She frowns because that could mean anything.

"Your arm," he suddenly says, leaning towards her, "you're hurt."

Her brows furrow as she tries to understand what he's talking about. Coriolanus gently grabs her arm, and Soarynn feels a flash of pain when he wraps his long, cold fingers around her warm skin. She looks down at his hand and finds that a bruise is beginning to form on her skin.

"Oh, I didn't even realize," her voice trails off when his touch becomes more persistent, fingers travel down the rest of her arm in search of more injuries. "We should go to the doctor," Coriolanus tells her with an agitated look on his face.

Does he blame himself?

He did save her by knocking her to the ground. But she ended up getting hurt in the process.

"No one is open this late at night," she gently reminds him, allowing him to inspect her other arm for damage. "I have a first aid kit in my apartment."

"We can use that for now, then," Coriolanus decides.

Soarynn doesn't say anything else because her heart is racing. Coriolanus has escorted her to the lobby before, but he's never been inside her apartment!

The car ride is short, and they arrive in no time.

"Other than your arm, do you feel pain anywhere else?"

They stride through the empty lobby, only her doorman is awake at this hour. Soarynn presses the elevator button, shaking her head. "Not that I'm aware of, but maybe you'll find something else." She looks up at him just as his lips twitch into what might be considered a smile, but then it's gone.

The doors open for them to step inside. Once inside, Soarynn presses the correct button, and they both stand there in complete silence.

"Thank you by the way, for saving my life."

"That's my job, Ms. Nightingale."

Soarynn sighs, frustrated, tired, a little shaken up still. Why keep up the formalities?

"Please," she says, "call me Soarynn. At least when we're alone together."

Coriolanus grins, a real smile this time, and it makes her incredibly nervous. "How often do you plan to be alone with me, Soarynn?"

Oh fuck.

A 'ding' announces that they're arrived and not a moment too soon, thank goodness. Soarynn is a blushing mess, nearly tripping in her heels after that rather flirtatious comment.

"Um, I...My apartment is this way," she manages to get out, ignoring his penetrating gaze. She fumbles to get her key out of her dress pocket, glad she didn't lose any belongings during the attack. Also glad that the dress has pockets, such a rare occurence when it comes to women's fashion.

She can feel Coriolanus right behind her as she fumbles even more to get the door unlocked. It finally opens with a sigh of relief.

Soarynn, against all odds, made it home.

Petunia immediately comes running down the hall, meowing now that they've been reunited. "Oh, Petunia, I forgot all about her. I hope you're not allergic," she says, bending down to pick the feline up. Not everyone loves cats the way Soarynn does, and from the look on his face, Coriolanus isn't too fond of four-legged animals.

"Not allergic," he says, taking a step back when Petunia swipes at him, "I just don't seem to get along with animals."

To prove a point, Petunia hisses at him. Soarynn shushes her with some kisses. "Be nice, Petunia. Coriolanus just saved my life tonight."

"Where's your first aid kit?"

"In my bathroom."

Soarynn leads them through her apartment, glad she cleaned it the other day. Sometimes it's a mess with clothes and shoes everywhere. Coriolanus looks like he appreciates tidy living quarters. Her bedroom is a different story, though, still messy from getting ready for tonight's party.

"Pardon the mess, I promise I'm usually much neater," she explains, setting Petunia down on the bed. Petunia glares up at Coriolanus, not at all pleased to have a man in the bedroom, a room she considers to be her own domain.

"It's very you," he tells her, looking around. Soarynn feels herself blushing all over again. Her room is very feminine with silk sheets, light pink wallpaper, and frilly accents everywhere. When she was little, she always wanted a room fit for a princess, and now she has one.

"This way to the bathroom," Soarynn mumbles. The first thing she does upon entering the bathroom is kick off her heels, sighing at the euphoric feeling.

"Those have never looked comfortable to me," Coriolanus tells her, eyeing the tall high heels. Soarynn chuckles, she's used to wearing them by now. "Beauty is pain," she replies. She takes down her hair next, glad to free it from the updo the Preps gave her.

Oh, the Preps. Soarynn hopes they're okay.

Her hair cascades down her back; it'll need to be washed tonight. "It's um, it's under the sink." She points at one of the cabinets, and Coriolanus goes to open it. Soarynn chooses to sit on the edge of her bathtub while he goes through the kit she never thought she'd use when she first bought it. Eudora had claimed that everyone needed to own a first aid kit, and she's never led Soarynn astray before.

"There's some ointment to help speed up the healing process," Coriolanus holds up a yellow tube, "and some pain pills as well." Soarynn hums, placing her hands in her lap while he opens up the bottle. "You should probably just take one for now," Coriolanus advises, "take another in the morning if you still feel any pain."

If he weren't a bodyguard, he could certainly be a doctor.

Soarynn swallows the pill down without complaint, just like her feelings for the tall, broad man. "I can do it," she insists when he goes to take the lid off the tube of ointment. Coriolanus shakes his head, "I know you can, but let me do it instead." Soarynn doesn't have it in her to argue anymore. She's spent most of her life doing what other people want her to do, say, and sing.

Being alone with Coriolanus feels like a breath of fresh air after breathing in smoke for so long.

He gently applies the ointment to her bruise, treating her as if she's fragile like glass. Soarynn's breath grows shallow, his scent and his presence are entirely overwhelming to her. "Do you think the Preps will be okay?" She asks in hopes of distracting herself. Coriolanus rubs in the ointment, the pads of his fingers are calloused like he works with his hands a lot when he's not watching over her.

"Those ladies are a force to be reckoned with," he tells her, "Eudora as well. I'm sure they're fine." She hopes that he's right. The Preps have been with Soarynn for so long that they feel like family. To lose them would be to lose a piece of herself.

"Are your, are your own friends alright? The other bodyguards?"

Soarynn doesn't really know if Coriolanus is friends with his colleagues, or how any of that works. Maybe they're sworn to secrecy, maybe they're not allowed to mingle. "They're also forces to be reckoned with," he replies with a much huskier voice this time.

"That's good to hear," she whispers.

"I think I can see another bruise forming."

Soarynn tries to turn and see what he's talking about, but she only ends up bumping against him. "Oh, where?"

"On your back."

Soarynn pales at the thought of trying to take this dress off because it was a battle getting into it. If the Preps were here, then they'd know what to do. "I'm afraid the clasp is a bit difficult to manage," Soarynn explains to him over her shoulder, watching his eyes scan the back of her dress. "I'm sure I can manage," Coriolanus says with the utmost confidence.

Soarynn gathers her hair and pulls it over her shoulder, secretly praying that he doesn't end up ruining her very expensive dress. This is a rental, after all. She feels his deft fingers moving the clasp around, brushing against her warm skin. Soarynn tries to keep her head out of the gutter, but it's hard with such a handsome man behind her.

"Is everything alright?" She asks when no progress has been made. There's a silent struggle going on behind her. "I've got it," he grits out. She hears the tube of ointment fall into the tub, and his hand comes to rest on her waist while the other fights with the clasp some more. Soarynn sits up straighter from his touch, firm and persistent.

"Got it," he sighs, and sure enough, the zipper goes down the slightest bit from the clasp being undone. Soarynn sighs too, but from his touch that hasn't left her waist. His breath against her back is persistent but strangely comforting. Soarynn has grown to count on Coriolanus always being behind her, but never to this degree.

He reaches down for the ointment, and Petunia walks into the bathroom to see what all the fuss is about. She sniffs Coriolanus and licks his shoe, which gets her no reaction from the man. "I think she likes you," Soarynn says, amazed that Petunia hasn't tried to attack him anymore. Is this a good omen?

"She probably sees me taking care of you," he replies, rubbing some more ointment. Soarynn can feel the tender skin he's rubbing and winces when his fingers press a little too roughly. "Sorry, am I hurting you?"

"No," she shakes her head, offering him a smile from over her shoulder, "just a little tender is all."

Coriolanus doesn't return her smile, if anything, he looks more worried than before. "I'll be more gentle, then."

You already are gentle, Soarynn thinks in her head.

They fall into a comfortable silence, so comfortable that Soarynn starts feeling tired. She didn't really eat anything tonight, and she kept getting pulled left and right to talk to different people. Her stomach growls, alerting her that it's more serious than she thought.

"You didn't really get a chance to eat anything tonight, did you?" Soarynn shrugs, it's not like she's starving like those in the Districts. "I have some leftovers in the fridge."

"Well, I'm all done with the ointment. You should be fine by the end of the week." What a long week this will be. Soarynn will most likely have to give a statement on what happened tonight. Maybe she'll be interviewed by the news; she was on the stage when it happened, after all.

"Thank you," she says softly, looking up when he rises from the bathtub, "for taking care of me."

"It's my job."

"Do you like your job?"

She's spent too long skirting around these questions to hold them in any longer. Soarynn wants to know what Coriolanus feels for her, even if it hurts her in the process. Coriolanus presses his lips into a thin line, something she's seen him do hundreds of times. He usually does it when she's asked a rather rude or personal question, but he always lets her handle it on her own.

"Taking care of you is a job I take very seriously," Coriolanus answers slowly, "but I won't lie and say that it hasn't come with its perks."

Perks?

She tilts her head in confusion. There's always the possibility that he has really great work benefits she doesn't know about. Like health and dental insurance.

His lips curl up into a smile, a real smile, too. "Like watching you sing," he explains, "or try on dresses that make you feel pretty."

She's blushing all over again.

"Oh."

"Speaking of dresses, it would be smart to put on something else, yes?" Soarynn hums as she's still caught up on him noticing how trying on dresses makes her feel pretty. Soarynn loves getting to try on clothes for work, and Coriolanus accompanies her to all of her fittings.

Coriolanus walks into her closet with Petunia right behind him. Soarynn stays on the edge of the tub, listening to him rustle around her clothes. She hopes she didn't leave any underwear lying around on the floor.

"How does anyone fit into this?"

Soarynn gathers her dress and stands up, bruises be damned. She shuffles into the closet and finds Coriolanus holding up one of her favorite nightgowns. It looks comically small in his large hand, but she won't tolerate any of this nightgown slander.

"It fits me perfectly," she informs him with a haughty tone, snatching it from his hand. Coriolanus chuckles at her newfound attitude; she's usually so sweet. She sounds just like Eudora. "And you sleep in that?"

"What else would I sleep in?"

"Real clothes? A shirt and a pair of pants? It just doesn't look practical." Soarynn rolls her eyes because what does a man know about being practical?

"It makes me feel like a princess," she tells him, "and I highly doubt you sleep any differently."

Not that she's ever spent a moment with him outside of work. Coriolanus and his private life are a total mystery to her, but then again, so is his work life. "I sleep in my boxers."

Well, then.

"I've made my point," is all she says, walking back into the bathroom, "and I need to take my makeup off."

"Do you need help with the dress?"

Soarynn almost trips on the dress when she hears that. Coriolanus catches her, of course. It's his job to keep her safe, even from himself, apparently. "I meant since the zipper is a bit tricky," he quickly elaborates, "I'm sure you could manage on your own, though."

Soarynn's heart is beating out of her chest. Should she take the chance? Let him see her for who she is? Or continue hiding behind the fancy dresses and makeup?

"I'd like your help if that's alright with you," she says, dropping her nightgown on the floor.

"Alright," he says with a hoarse voice.

Soarynn stands perfectly still as his fingers pull the zipper all the way down. She holds the dress against her chest, but can feel her exposed back. His fingertips gently drag down her spine, leaving little goosebumps wherever they go.

With her last bit of newfound courage, Soarynn turns around to face him. Coriolanus looks so strong, like he could do anything to protect her. But what if he himself was the one to hurt her?

Soarynn shakes those thoughts away because while she might not know a lot about Coriolanus, she knows he'd never hurt her. He looks down at her like a knight assigned to keep his princess safe. She can see how he'd burn the world for her if she asked.

Soarynn lets her dress fall to the floor, pooling around her ankles, bearing all of her to him. She expects him to gaze at her naked breasts or lace panties, but he keeps his eyes on her face, not at all distracted by the naked starlet in front of him.

"This is me," Soarynn whispers, "this is me and if you'll allow it, I'd like to see you as well."

It's a strange, inappropriate request to ask her bodyguard to strip down to his own underwear. He could leave, report her, or run to the tabloids. Instead, his hands go to take off his tie. Then the rose that was pinned to his lapel. Then his jacket, his shirt, his belt.

Soarynn maintains the tense eye contact with Coriolanus until they're both equally naked, bearing themselves to each other in their rawest form.

"This is me," he says quietly, reaching down to take her hand, "and if you allow it, I'd like to take care of you even when we're not at work."

Soarynn smiles so brightly, so big that her cheeks hurt.

"I'd like that very much."

꧁ ꧂

After taking off her makeup, eating the rest of her leftovers, and changing into her pajamas, Soarynn is absolutely exhausted.

She lies in her large bed, surrounded by two bodies. Coriolanus and Petunia, who isn't too happy about her pillow being occupied by the large man.

His bare chest is pressed against her back, and his arms are securely wrapped around her waist. No one can hurt her as long as he's here. The room is dark, but she can still see into her bathroom where her dress lies on the floor next to his own clothes. On her nightstand, she can see the white rose he wore, sitting right next to the gun she never knew he had until tonight.

Coriolanus says he's always carried one, but never had to use it.

"I never wanted to use it," he had corrected himself, "because it would mean you were in danger."

His breath is warm against the back of her neck, and Soarynn has never felt so safe in her life. She thought he might take her to bed and spend the night tangled up in her sheets, but he didn't. Coriolanus helped take off her makeup and wash her hair. He promised to take her to bed another night, when they were both ready and not traumatized from a Rebel attack.

"It'll be worth the wait," he’d promised her.

So she decided to take his word for it. They shared her leftovers along with their hidden feelings for each other. Coriolanus told her how nervous he had been when they first met one another. He didn't think he'd be able to focus around her and the vanilla scent he claimed she always carried around with her. To push down his feelings for her, he pushed down all of his feelings and became cold and closed off to those around him.

Anything to keep her safe.

Soarynn admitted to her own feelings as well. How she always found comfort in him being right behind her, and how badly she wished to know him and his heart.

Then he kissed her.

It was everything she imagined a first kiss to be. Gentle with just enough passion behind it to get the message across. Leftovers were quickly forgotten, and they spent a good five minutes learning each other's mouths in the dimly lit kitchen.

They eventually made it back to her room and into bed.

Soarynn doesn't know what tomorrow will hold, what will happen to the attackers or the victims of tonight. She doesn't know if this relationship will even be allowed, if Coriolanus will have to quit, if this will cause a scandal.

She doesn't really care. She'll protect him the same way he protects her. Keep him safe from the gossip. No one else could really ever have her the way he does, she knows that for certain.

"Will you get in trouble for this?" She asks, wondering if he's even awake. But she feels him shift behind her with a groan, tightening his grip around her. "Maybe," he mumbles against her neck, "but then I won't be your bodyguard anymore."

Soarynn can't imagine him not being there anymore, not being behind her or keeping her safe, and she doubts he can imagine it either.

"Then maybe I'll quit too," she says, resting her hand on top of his.

"I could be your bodyguard."

He smiles against her neck, "Oh, yeah?"

Soarynn turns so she's lying on her back, able to see him more clearly. "Yeah," she whispers, running her fingers through his curls, now tangled after tonight's events, "I could take the day off just to turn you on."

He laughs, kissing her temple. "You're something else, you know that?"

Soarynn cozies up in his arms, face pressed to his chest so she can hear his heart beating. It soothes her to sleep in a matter of seconds.

"You'll get used to it," she mumbles as her eyes close. The last thing she hears is his deep voice, "Sometimes I'll hold you closer just to know you're real."

Soarynn can live with that.

They've got a long time to keep each other safe.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @lovelylove268 @iswearicanfixhim @wonderlandbound111 @melodyoflovee @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @erensrealgf @evilmenarehot @cervvsq @snowgirl12 @matcha-muses @anisangeldust @snowsgames @wakdjenwowj |

10 notes · View notes

slaymitchabernathy · 3 days ago

Text

Paradise

| "...and it feels like an eternity since i had you here with me, since i had to learn to be someone you don't know. to be with you in paradise, what i wouldn't sacrifice. why'd you have to chase the light, somewhere i can't go? as i walk this world alone..." |

Death is quiet.

Coriolanus never knew it could be so quiet. He was used to loud. He was used to the sounds of people crying out for help while more bombs fell down on them. The sound of his own mother dying is engraved in his mind, the noise of her cries, of her fear and desperation while trying to give birth to his sister.

He never knew it could be so quiet.

But she was always quiet, his girl. Always kind, always sweet, always quiet.

It's quiet at the funeral today.

No surprise there.

He stands quietly by her coffin while people approach it, looking down at his sleeping beauty, his angel. Some people whisper a few words, others simply stare at her and her pale skin. Coriolanus remembers how bright it used to be, how her tanned skin always had a glow to it, especially when she'd smile.

Now she's pale as a ghost. Her lips have been painted pink but he knows that under the makeup, they're blue. He made sure to pick out her favorite dress to wear for today, pink and soft. Just like her.

Soarynn had asked him to put her in this dress before she went. She started planning her own funeral a while ago, right after she gave up. Coriolanus fought her on this, of course, but he fought her on a lot of things. He fought for her to keep getting treatment too.

But she had been so tired, so exhausted from the constant poking and prodding.

"I want to go home," she had said to him softly, "I want to spend the last moments of my life at home with you, not here in a hospital room."

How could he deny her of such a thing?

So they went home, left the hospital, and enjoyed their last months together. For a while, he felt as though Soarynn was getting better, that maybe just maybe, she could beat this sickness. She seemed much happier at home, laughing with him, and playing with her cat Petunia.

Coriolanus has to choke back tears just thinking about Petunia, Soarynn's most loyal cat and companion. She's been so confused about where Soarynn went. She spends her nights walking around the penthouse, going into the empty rooms, meowing for her friend.

How can he explain to Petunia that Soarynn is never coming back?

He doesn't even know how to explain it to himself. It's so odd to know that after this, she's really gone. She is never coming back.

He will never hear her laugh again.

He will never see her smile again.

He will never hold her again.

He will never kiss her again.

She had gone so quietly one night. He almost missed it. She had been lying in their bed, the day had been long and she had been uncomfortable. He could see the light leaving her eyes and her body giving up.

What terrified him the most was that he could see how ready she was.

"I love you," she had whispered, "it's written in the stars, you know."

"I know," he had choked out, trying to be brave. "I love you too, my darling girl."

It only took a few more short breaths before she died. Before she left him here all alone. Coriolanus had screamed, he had cried, he had begged for her to come back to him.

Why did she have to leave and go somewhere he can't go?

"Coriolanus? Is there anything you'd like to say?"

He looks up at his father-in-law, Glen Nightingale, possibly the only person who understands what he's going through right now. Glen lost his own wife to childbirth but cherished Soarynn like the most precious gift. To lose both a wife and a daughter, well, Coriolanus doesn't know how Glen is standing here today, let alone talking.

"No," he whispers with a hollow voice, "nothing to say."

Nothing that's already been said.

Coriolanus nods at those who offer their condolences and when it's time to lower her coffin into the ground, he lays a white rose on top of it.

He reads her headstone while the minister reads aloud a passage about the afterlife.

'In Loving Memory - Soarynn Snow'

Is that all she is now? A memory?

꧁ ꧂

꧁ Five Years Later ꧂

"Mr. President! Mr. President, what do you think about this year's Quarter Quell?"

Coriolanus has gotten used to the annoying reporters and their questions. He's gotten used to a lot of things since she left.

He walks into the Mansion he's been living in for a year now. It's not any better than his penthouse apartment, if anything, it's worse. He thought living somewhere bigger would make him feel less alone but it doesn't. It just reminds him of all the empty space that surrounds him.

Sometimes, Coriolanus finds himself wondering if Soarynn would like it here, or if she would like him.

He's become someone he doesn't recognize, someone she doesn't know. He's tried to blame her for it in the past but he can't. All of this he did by himself.

The loving, understanding Coriolanus Snow is gone, hardened by loss and grief. It made him the perfect candidate to become President. He has nothing to lose now.

There's to be a dinner tonight to celebrate the Quarter Quell, only three days away now. Coriolanus doesn't see the point in celebrating any of this, and he's sure that the Tributes can agree. Each Tribute was personally voted for by the people in the District, further reminding them that they were each other's enemies.

Soarynn would hate all of this. She'd hate him too.

Coriolanus climbs the grand staircase to his bedroom upstairs, wanting to freshen up before a night of festivities. Petunia is lounging on his bed when he comes in but he doesn't shoo her away. She's the last thing Soarynn left for him.

When they moved into the Mansion, Petunia spent days exploring it, looking to see if Soarynn had been hiding here before they moved in.

"Keep away from my pillow," he warns the cat. The two of them didn't get along before Soarynn died, but her death brought them together. He would never admit it, but he's spent a few nights holding Petunia whole sobbing over the death of his wife.

He glances at a framed photograph of them on his dresser. Soarynn looks so beautiful in the photo, wearing a yellow dress with her hair pulled back. She's grinning ear to ear in the photo which means it was taken before she got sick.

Coriolanus would do anything to go back in time to before she got sick. They wanted to start a family together.

Shaking off those memories, he strides into the bathroom to get to his closet. He ought to dress a little nicer for tonight. A half-empty glass of whiskey sits on the bathroom counter, left over from last night's party. Coriolanus has become an expert in drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

He grabs the glass, throwing back the rest of the drink in one swallow as he walks into the closet, nearly choking on it when he sees who's waiting inside.

Soarynn.

She looks as beautiful as the day she left him.

He drops the glass, not caring that it shatters into a million pieces, just like his heart. "Soarynn," he breathes, watching as she pulls one of her dresses off the hanger. Even though she was gone, he still had all of her clothes with him. All of her lives with him.

She looks over at him and flickers in the light.

"Coryo, why are my dresses here?"

Coriolanus swallows, he wasn't prepared to come face to face with his past, with her ghost. He buried her years ago.

"I...I brought them here," he answers shakily, "I couldn't bear the part with them." Soarynn hums, running her fingers over the velvet dress, "You could've given them to someone in need."

Even in death, she's so thoughtful.

"I needed them more than anyone," he argues.

Soarynn smiles to herself, shaking her head. "There's the Coriolanus I know."

"The Coriolanus you love," he corrects, taking a step toward her, "you still love me, right?"

Her image flickers like a lamp. Coriolanus swears he can smell the vanilla perfume she always loved to wear. The bottle she used is still here with him, tucked away in his nightstand for times when he needs to remember her.

"I do," she answers softly, putting the dress back on the hanger, "although I'm not so sure you're the Coriolanus I remember."

Coriolanus sounds like a wounded animal when she says that. He hasn't changed that much.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Her ghost looks around the massive closet, ten times bigger than the one they had in the penthouse. "You moved, for starters. When I went home, you weren't there. No one was."

Coriolanus didn't have it in him to part with his ancestral home and he certainly didn't trust just anyone to live in it after him so he kept it. Empty and soulless, just like him.

"I'm President now," he explains, standing up a little straighter.

"I can see that. I never knew you wanted to be President."

What else was I supposed to do when you left? That is what he wants to ask her. Honestly, what was he supposed to do?

"Neither did I," he admits, "but I'm good at it."

"I can see that."

Coriolanus reaches out to touch her. Just one last time. He just wants to hold her face one last time. His hand goes right through her, like a hologram.

"Why are you here, Soarynn?"

"You've been angry at me," she says, "and I came to see why."

Coriolanus is dumbfounded by her accusation. He misses her every single day, but he's not angry at her, he could never be angry at her.

"Darling, I, I'm not angry at you," he laughs in disbelief, "I'm grieving you, I miss you so much. You have no idea what your death has done to me, Soarynn."

She looks him up and down, "I can think of a few things."

He takes a step back, not liking where this is going. "This is what grief looks like," he explains to her, "and I realize that when you left me, things were different and you were scared, but if I left then you'd be acting the same way."

"Grief isn't anger."

His brows knit together. Grief isn't anger? What else could it be?

"Grief is love with nowhere to put it."

The clock out in his bedroom strikes six, almost time for dinner.

"I'm not angry," he says again, "I miss you. I miss you, Soarynn. You left me, you left me all alone and all I want to do is see you again."

"You've become someone I don't know," she whispers, "the Coryo I know and love would never hurt children."

That hurts.

"We wanted children, remember?" She asks with a dreamy smile on her face. "You wanted to be a father, and said you'd protect us no matter what. But now you're killing innocent children left and right, ripping them from their families."

His nostrils flare at the bold accusation. She might be his wife, but he doesn't tolarate being critized by anyone.

"No one in the Districts in innocent," he reminds her, "not even the children."

"Is that how you justify this, then? Sending children to their deaths because in your mind, they're all guilty for crimes they never commnited?"

"If this is an interrogation, I want no part in it," he informs her coldly. "I don't know what you thought might happen, but it's already done, Soarynn. There's no stopping this."

"There's no stopping you," she corrects, a crestfallen looks washes over her beautiful face. "You know I've met all of them. All of the children. We all go to the same place when we die."

He hasn't given it much thought as to what happens or where you go when you die. After Soarynn's death, Coriolanus realized that he couldn't afford to think like that. He focuses on the present, prepares for the future and never looks back at the past.

"And where is it that you all go?" He asks, looking her up and down. Even as a ghost, she has the etherel beauty she had when she was alive.

"Paradise."

Coriolanus is quiet for once. Which is odd for their dynamic, he almost always knew what to say when they argued.

"Somewhere I can't go then," he bitterly decides, tugging at the sleeves of his shirt, "now if you'll excuse me, I have a dinner to attned."

"Sacraficing children won't fix the open wound in youe heart, Coryo," she says, reaching out to touch his face. He dodges her attemtps, too mad and cofnused to risk feeling her warm touch on his face one more time.

"You think I don't know that?" He hisses, beyong frsutatred with how his life has turnd out. "What I wouldn't sacrfice to hold you in my arms one more time, Soarynn. I just, I just don't see why you had to leave me here all by myself."

He sounds childish. Not at all like the man she once fell in love with.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, "you know I didn't have a choice."

His voice is hollow, "Neither did I."

Her image flickers like she's running out of time, like she has to run back to paradise.

"You can still turn things around," she tells him in a pleading tone, "you can still save yourself. We can be together again."

Coriolanus shakes his head and offers her a hint of a smile. "I'm far past saving, Soarynn. We both know that." He's already dug his grave, all he has to do is lie in it.

Soarynn startd to fade away but this isn't the first time he's seen the light leave her eyes.

"I'll be waiting in paradise," are the last words she says to him.

Coriolanus stands there alone in his large closet. Glass is scattered across the floor. His eyes are filled with tears he siwftly blinks away.

"And I'll walk this world alone."

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

17 notes · View notes