#dovecote family thoughts | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fallonsfics · 5 months

Text

Perfection in Every Sense

Warnings: Cheating, unprotected sex (p in v), choking, fingering, oral (Fem receiving), lots of praise, profanity.

Overview: You’ve found yourself detesting your boyfriend Felix Ravinstill. Now you find the one who’s been turning your head is none other than Coriolanus Snow.

Word Count: 3,4k

You were arm and arm with your boyfriend Felix Ravinstill as you ambled around Heavensbee Hall. You were waiting for the Reaping to commence, as well as waiting for the results regarding who would be gifted the Plinth Prize. You smoothed out your tight black dress, it was simple yet eye-catching all the same. You greeted your peers with charming smiles and polite greetings. You sipped on your glass of posca as Felix chatted with Arachne and Festus. You found your mind drifting elsewhere as the three spoke in favor of the brutal games. Your gaze floated around the room as you looked for better company.

“Don’t you agree, dear?” Felix asked, nudging your shoulder. Your gaze snapped back to the trio.

“Hm?” You asked, cocking your head. They all chuckled at your response.

“Do you ever have a thought behind those eyes?” Festus teased, eyes raking your figure.

You pursed your lips as you glared at him. “Trust me I do. However, I was raised with the ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all mindset.’” You retorted.

You craned your neck as a familiar blond peer caught your eye. Coriolanus had Clemensia Dovecote on his arm as he entered the hall. He looked gorgeous as ever, hair meticulously styled, his dapper vintage shirt creating a refined look. You found yourself drifting from Felix for a moment, as if your feet were moving on their own volition to go greet Coriolanus. However, your boyfriend put a hand at your waist and tugged you to his side once more. “Ansty to see Snow, are we?” He asked, raising a brow.

You rolled your eyes, as annoying as Felix was he wasn’t stupid. “Well, I wanted to wish him luck. As I did to all of my friends.” You said. It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either. Coriolanus was known to flirt with you and give you compliments that Felix would never dream of. Much to your delight, Coriolanus parted ways with Clemensia to join your group.

“If it isn’t the star pupil himself.” Arachne mused as her gaze swept his figure with a critical eye. It was as if she were trying to find a flaw. An impossible notion in your mind naturally.

“Worried about losing the prize, Arachne?” Coriolanus quipped as he approached. He flashed a charming smile at you. “You look lovely, by far the most radiant in the room.”

You felt yourself become tongue-tied, looking away bashfully. “Thank you, Coriolanus,” was all you could manage to say. You wanted to compliment him as well but you feared that if you started now the praise would never stop.

Felix, as always, inserted himself into your conversation with Coriolanus. “Have you tried the lamb? It’s scandalous.” He said as he tossed another piece into his mouth.

“Only the vulgar eat with their fingers, Felix. Did daddy not teach you manners?” Festus scoffed.

“Maybe he would’ve if he wasn’t so busy running the country.” Felix countered with a smug grin.

You rolled your eyes and swatted his arm gently. “Felix, have some modesty.” You urged. Felix was often boastful about his father, as well as his expansive wealth. You found it revolting how egotistical he was. You had to remind yourself, this was a smart match. Your family had known Felix’s family for years. You were practically raised to end up together long-term.

“Anyway, speaking of Plinth, take a look at Sejanus,” Felix said, jutting his chin to the Plinth family as they entered. “How can someone from such an elite family have such a detestable child?”

This time you pinched his arm. “Felix.” You admonished. You were embarrassed to even be standing next to him at this point. Coriolanus’s eyes darted between you and your boyfriend. It wasn’t uncommon for you to argue in front of others. It was clear that he, and many others, found it amusing.

“Darling, you can’t argue with facts. Sejanus is simply not cut out for the Capitol lifestyle.” Felix responded with a shrug.

“If I have to hear one more word about how much he hates the games, I’ll put him in the arena myself,” Festus muttered.

You gingerly removed Felix’s hand from your waist. “I’m going to find my seat.” You couldn’t stand to be around them when they spoke like this.

The Reaping continued and much to everyone’s discontent, the Plinth prize was going to be offered through unconventional means. The following few days at the Academy were tense. All of the mentors were on edge, for once, you were grateful that you weren’t in the top twenty-four of seniors at the Academy. What’s more, Felix was being especially irritable with you. You glared at your boyfriend as you watched him pair up with Festus for the Communications project that Professor Click had assigned. “Felix, you always pair up with me.” You argued.

“No offense dear but I need to make sure I get a perfect score on this assignment,” Felix said as he moved to sit beside Festus.

You furrowed your brows as you glared at him. It wasn’t the first time that Felix had discredited your academic abilities.

Coriolanus sat beside you, setting his notes down on the desk. “Don’t pay him any attention. I’ll work with you.” He said.

Your eyes lit up as he took a seat beside you. “Oh Coryo, you don’t have to do that.” You chuckled softly.

“No I want to, I know we have differing opinions regarding the Districts, maybe you have some insight for me. May I?” He asked, gesturing to your notes.

“Of course.” You said with a shy smile. You weren’t used to many others caring for your opinion about the Districts, other than Sejanus naturally.

Coriolanus’s eyes darted across the page, his brows contorted with concentration. You leaned over his shoulder. “I was thinking about ways to build rapport with tributes. I know I’m not a mentor but I was thinking…maybe offering them food and water could help. Maybe giving the sick ones medicine as well…Felix’s tribute has been showing signs of tuberculosis so that’s where I got the idea.”

Coriolanus looked over at you with a pleased smile. “That’s quite kind of you. You’re right, it would be a good way to establish relationships with tributes,” he paused for a moment, “such a smart girl.” He praised. You felt your cheeks blaze as he complimented you. It was an unfamiliar experience, you were used to heaping praise on Felix to keep him content however he rarely returned the favor. He chuckled at your reaction as he passed your notes back to you. “Such a pretty sight too.”

You looked away shyly. “Coriolanus stop flattering me so much, I’ll get an ego.”

“Hm, like your boyfriend?” He asked, tilting his head with a teasing smile. You couldn’t deny that Felix had an ego the size of Panem itself. You looked over your shoulder at Felix and Festus who were animatedly discussing tactics to make tributes fight harder in the arena.

“No one could match that.” You giggled softly.

Coriolanus started brainstorming ideas, jotting them down on paper in his exquisite penmanship. “Why do you even stay with him?” He asked, moving a little closer to you, his leg now brushing against yours.

“He’s a family friend. It’s a smart match.” You said with a shrug. You couldn’t tell if you were saying it like that to remind yourself or to simply inform Coriolanus. You found yourself finding your boyfriend insufferable as of late. It almost wasn’t worth it to stay but you knew your family wanted you to be with Felix long term.

“A smart match until he drives you insane.” Coriolanus jested. He set down his fountain pen and placed a hand on your knee. You felt your stomach flutter in response to the simple gesture. “As your friend, I just want to look out for you. Make sure you’re making the right decisions. To make sure you’re being treated well.”

You’re gaze darted between his grip on your knee to his face. “What are you implying?”

Coriolanus shook his head with a short laugh. “Surely you aren’t so naive, darling.” He inched his hand further up your thigh. You looked around anxiously, worried that someone would catch wind of what was happening. However, everyone (including your boyfriend) was working diligently on their projects. “Tell me that I’m overstepping and I’ll stop” He whispered.

“How long have you been wanting to do this?” You asked softly.

“I must admit I hadn’t given it much thought…until I saw you on Felix’s arm at the beginning of the year.” His fingertips fiddled with the hem of your skirt. “But I’ve always found you lovely.”

You looked up at him through your lashes. “I really shouldn’t…”

Coriolanus glanced at the clock on the wall and slowly pulled his hand away from your thigh. “Class is nearly over. How about this,” he gripped your chin affectionately, making sure he had your full attention, “I’ll come over this evening to work on the project. I’ll leave it up to you if you want to pursue this.”

You already felt a surge of anticipation, your heart hammering in your chest at the thought. “Yes, I’d like that.” You said breathlessly.

“That’s my girl,” Coriolanus said affectionately.

As soon as your chauffeur brought you home, you immediately started cleaning your room. Stowing most of your belongings in your closet naturally, you were on a time crunch after all. You rummaged through your dresser trying to find something to wear. You settled on a tight corduroy skirt with a zipper in the front (easy access) with a simple blouse paired with it. You felt your heart stutter when the doorbell rang throughout your family’s stately home. You dashed through the halls and down the stairs of the foyer. You knew it was wrong, it was so incredibly wrong yet it felt so right. You opened the door with a smile. “Coriolanus.” You said with a little nod as you took in his features. His figure was highlighted by the sunset. His curls were contentiously set in place. He was wearing the Academy uniform trousers and button-up but ditched the blazer. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up his forearms and something about that look made you nearly melt on the spot.

“Good evening darling.” He greeted with a nod. His eyes raked up and down your form, taking in every curve and feature. “You look stunning, is this all for me?” He chuckled as he strode into the foyer.

“I wanted to look good for you.” You admitted shyly.

He smirked as he linked his arm with yours. “You look ravishing regardless of what you wear.”

You looked away bashfully as you led him to your room. “You always know what to say to get me all flustered.” You giggled as you opened the door.

He followed you in and closed the door, locking it behind him. “Have you given what I said any thought?” He asked as he approached you.

You nodded slowly. “I have,” you stepped closer to him and looked up at him, “I don’t just want to work on our project tonight.” You said coyly.

Coriolanus snaked an arm around your waist and pulled you flush against him. “And what else do you want tonight, hm?”

“Coryo, don’t make me say it.” You looked away embarrassedly. Your eyes widened as Coriolanus grabbed your chin and forced you to look at him again.

“Be a good girl and use your words.” You felt your breath catch at his order. “Don’t you want to be a good girl for me?”

You nodded eagerly. “Y-Yes.” You pawed at his torso as you gazed up at him longingly. “I want you to make me feel good.” You said breathily.

Coriolanus ran a hand through your hair to relax you. “Good job, darling. Already being so good for me.” He chuckled. He backed you up until you sat at the edge of your bed. “Tell me how to make you feel good.”You felt your face flush. You weren’t sure how to answer his question. With Felix, you always did whatever he wanted; he never asked for your input usually. Coriolanus arched a brow as he looked down at you. “Has your boyfriend ever made you come before?”

“No.” You mumbled. He ran his fingers through your hair again and sank to his knees in front of you.

“What a pity,” he said as he rubbed your thighs, “you must be so pent up then, hm?” He teased as he toyed with the zipper of your skirt. He pulled his hand away and ran a hand up your torso to your chest. “Can’t believe he didn’t want to make such a pretty girl come.” He mused as he slowly started to unbutton your blouse. “I personally don’t think I’ll be able to stop til your shaking and begging me to fuck you.” He ran a hand up your skirt once he unbuttoned your shirt, his fingers brushing against your inner thigh.

You let out a little gasp as you looked down at him. His eyes were glazed over with lust as he gazed up at you. “Coryo, please!” You begged.

He shook his head and chuckled. “So impatient.” He unzipped your skirt and tugged it off, tossing it aside. You shrugged your blouse off, blushing as you realized that you were now sitting in front of him in skimpy white lingerie while he was still fully clothed. You were about to complain but all grievances were whisked away as he suddenly moved and slotted his knee between your thighs, pushing you back against the mattress as he did. You let out a whimper as he started pressing kisses along your neck. “Such pretty sounds, I want to hear more.” He whispered huskily. A moan erupted from your throat as he started sucking on your neck, leaving a trail of marks down your neck to the tops of your breasts. You start grinding your lightly clothed core against his knee. He snickered as your hips moved, desperate to get some form of friction. He tipped your chin up and kissed you forcefully, hands roaming your curves as he did. Your breath hitched as he pulled away briefly to start unbuttoning his shirt. He was lean but toned, what you expected of him. He tossed his shirt aside as he pulled away. You nearly whined in protest but he grabbed your legs and pulled you to the edge of the bed once more.

You giggled as he tugged your panties and put them in his pocket. “What, you plan on keeping them?”

Coriolanus chuckled as he knelt in front of you again. “I’m keeping them there in case I have to shove them in your mouth from screaming too loud.”

You felt your face flush crimson as he teased you. You arched your back as you felt him brush his fingers across your entrance, coating his fingers with your juices. “So wet for me…I wouldn’t be surprised if my fingers just,” he slowly pushed his digits into your pussy, “slipped right in.” He mused smugly. You squeezed your eyes shut as he pumped his fingers languidly. You gripped the sheets beneath you as you moaned. Your eyes rolled back as he buried his face between your thighs and sucked on your bundle of nerves. He flicked his tongue over it causing your body to jolt. You squeezed your thighs together around his head, weaving your fingers in his hair. He groaned, seeming to savor every time you’d buck your hips and arch your back, soundlessly pleading for more.

“Coryo, oh god, Coryo, yes!” You shrieked, gripping desperately at his curls. Damn, he was good, better than your pathetic excuse for a boyfriend could ever dream of. He had you on the brink of seeing stars as he kept his fingers at a steady pace. “Coryo, I’m going to—oh fuck—you’re gonna make me—” Before you could finish you let out a broken moan as you clenched around his fingers, drenching them in your juices as you came hard. You frantically tried to pull him away as he kept fingering you. “’s too much Coryo.” You gasped.

He pulled his face away but continued the pace of his digits. “You can give me one more before I fuck you, I know you can.” You whimpered as he crooked his fingers, rubbing that special spot just right. You were teetering on the edge once again, panting and moaning his name like some sort of corrupt prayer. He reached and wrapped a hand around your throat, squeezing just enough to give you that high you were chasing. You pulsed around his fingers again, arching your back as you climaxed. You were gasping for breath as he pulled his digits from you, slowly. He moved his hand from your neck, placing it on your thigh and giving you an affectionate pat. “Such a good girl. I knew you could do it.” He praised. He licked your arousal from his fingers while gazing down at you.

You reached up and ran your fingers down his torso. “Please, Coryo, please I need you to fuck me.” You begged pathetically. He gripped your chin and pulled you into a searing kiss as he unzipped his trousers. He took your panties out of his pocket and set them on the bed, just in case he needed to shut you up.

“Such a pretty slut for me aren’t you?” He teased, pushing you back into the mattress.

You giggled and nodded, still dazed from the bliss you felt moments ago. Your eyes settled on his cock, the red tip already leaking precum. “Please, Coryo, I wanna make you feel good.”

He spread your legs further apart as he slowly pushed into you, groaning as he bottomed out. “Fuck, you're so wet.” Your eyes rolled back as he set a brutal pace. ��Who made you this wet? Who do you belong to?” He hissed.

“Y-You, I’m all yours Coryo.” You moaned, relishing every thrust even more than the last. You let out a squeal as he grabbed your hips, forcing you to take him fully each time he rutted his hips to meet yours. Fuck he was rough and you loved it. You loved being used by him. It was as if your body was made for him and him alone.

You reached a hand in between your thighs, rubbing your clit as he fucked you. Your moans grew louder and louder as you repeated his name. He grabbed your panties and shoved them into your mouth. It was degrading, humiliating even but god it felt so good. You felt the coil in your body snap again as you came undone. Your orgasm hit you like a tidal wave. You were clenching around him, milking him for all he was worth as you let out muffled screams of pleasure.

Coriolanus let out a grunt as he suddenly stilled and jerked inside you, coating your walls with his cum. He leaned into you, panting as he desperately tried to catch his breath. He slowly pulled out of you and lay beside you. He stroked your hair softly as he stared at you. His gaze was as if he was trying to commit every part of you to memory. “You are,” he paused as he brushed his fingertips over the marks he had left on your neck, “perfection in every sense of the word.”

You giggled breathlessly. “So are you Coryo.”

He sighed as he raked a hand through his hair and sat up on the edge of the bed. “What are you going to tell Ravinstill?” He chuckled.

“That I found someone better in every way.” You chuckled, moving to wrap your arms around his torso. You looked up at him, cocking your head. “We still have to finish our project don’t we?” You grumbled.

He chuckled and nodded. “Yes, darling, we do. I’ll do the majority of it; you just lay there and look pretty.”

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow smut #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus snow x you #smut #a ballad of songbirds and snakes #the hunger games #coriolanus snow x reader smut #coryo snow #tbosbas

269 notes · View notes

lqveharrington · 1 month

Text

Silver Roses & Fallen Snow

9: The Annual Lovett Gala (series masterlist)

summary: The Gala finally arrives and you set your plan into motion whilst Coriolanus makes his move on you.

pairing: young!coriolanus snow x fem!reader

includes: poisoning, murder, possessiveness, mentions of cheating, commitment issues

wc: 3.9k+

a/n: this chapter actually made me invested in my own series (it’s my birthday today too 🎉)

As the Lovett Gala approached, the RSVPs came rolling in, practically overflowing your living space as the Avoxes brought each invitation back. From the Cranes to the Montys to the Cardews, each Capitol family you grew up to know accepted like they did every year. Clemensia was especially pleased when the President sent in his RSVP for the event. As her first time putting the gala together, she immediately began to flesh her vision out, each passing second becoming more stressful. Fortunately for her, you and Festus decided to take over the job for those RSVPing as the week sped by — ensuring each person had their name card for a secure spot in the gala tables.

“The Berbrookes?” Festus scrunched his face in displeasure, tossing the RSVP on the table. “Your father really invited them?”

You push the piece of paper into a pile and sigh, “It’s not…” You clutch the paper tighter, finding a lack of words. “I have no control over that list of people. It’s kind of all the people in the Capitol. He never changes the list.”

Clemensia snaps her fingers in front of Festus, making him jump back. “I thought you were going to help, not complain over the list of people invited?” She handed him another pile of invitations as he groaned at the sight. “I’m busy. If I wasn’t worried about the stupid Avoxes messing up the decorations, I would do your job for you, Creed.”

You hold your laughter as Festus throws a glare at Clemensia when she turns around. You continue to check off names as you find their name tags and watch with amusement before your face falls as she returns with more papers.

“Here’s a new stack of RSVPs.” Clemensia handed them to you as she wandered back inside the living space to carefully watch the Avoxes. “These need to be done by tomorrow, so chop chop!”

Festus raises his eyebrows at you, “Looks like you have more to do than me now.”

“Oh, shut up.” You throw a rubber band before taking the first card off the top of the newest stack.

The name scrawled on the front made your breath hitch in your throat. You scanned the RSVP list on the card itself and it called for both of the younger Snows. You didn’t think that Tigris would still accept, nonetheless, Coriolanus joined her. Tapping a pen on the card, you find their name tags from long ago and frown when you catch the small heart you drew on Coriolanus’ tag when you were younger.

“What horrible family did your father invite now?” Festus watches your reluctance to move on from the certain card.

You shake your head, putting their name tags with the rest. “Just a family friend.”

Sitting through the rest of those RSVPs was a hassle, especially when Coriolanus infiltrated your mind once more with something as simple as his name. Luckily, the rest of the week flew by as the day of the Lovett Gala finally arrived, the entire Manor fixed to the nines; courtesy of Clemensia Dovecote.

You hummed a soft tune as you slipped on the silver gown Tigris made for you just for the occasion. You originally wanted to decline, but she felt as if she owed it to you after everything that happened with her cousin. You stared at yourself in the mirror and even you had to admit the gown was gorgeous. It was an off-shoulder dress that cinched your waist perfectly — its skirt flowing down your legs with a small slit trailing up your right leg. You had thought silver would make you look cheap, but the more you gazed at yourself, the silver made you stand out, not looking cheap at all; Especially when she used the fabric with real silver embedded in it.

Swiftly, you fluffed the bottom of your dress and headed over to your desk, applying your blood-red lipstick lightly. You touched up your previous makeup, dusting the blush before searching your jewelry for the perfect matches. Your heart constricts when you find a white diamond necklace that belonged to your mother; be careful to lay it on your neck. It sparkled in the little light left by the setting sun, making you smile softly. It was more precious than anything else you wore. Its design was remarkable — a snake encircling an apple – very fitting for your mother given her name: Eve.

While you thumb the intricate pattern, flashes of headlights catch your eye. They were drawing closer to the manor, causing you to quickly adorn your opera gloves and heels. You tuck a strand of loose hair back and look up at your mirror one last time, assessing yourself to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before you leave. As you see more headlights draw near, you quickly fix your dress to shield the garter belt on your thigh before rushing down to the foyer through the grand stairs.

The sound of your heels harshly clicking against the flooring caught Festus’ attention as he messed with his tie by the stairs. You give him a sheepish grin and hurriedly take his arm — letting him guide you around the ballroom to greet people arriving.

“Sorry, I got in my own head.” You say through your smile as the manor starts to fill up with Capitol families. The smile you gave was practiced with precision, your cheeks aching by the time Festus responded.

“Your father was quite literally going to knock your door down before Clemmie and I stopped him,” Festus murmured back and glanced at you through the corner of his eyes. “He was really pissed that you were taking too long.”

You shift your expression to a neutral mask and ignore his comments. The numbness always took over at the mention of your father despite any circumstance. You still gave short smiles to those arriving as you and Festus did your rounds, but you eventually got away from him, needing a drink of some sort to lighten your mind.

Just before you got to the drinks, a figure pulled you away. Stumbling in your heels, you keep up with the mysterious figure. You tug at your arm —trying to pull it away — before looking up and gasping. “Finn, are you stupid?”

“Maybe.” He says and slides the vial into your hands, running his fingers through his hair. Finn eyed you up and down teasingly, “Dressing up for lover boy?”

“Never.” You tuck the vial into your leather garter before fixing your dress again. “And I will stand by my statement, you have no idea how to dress nice for these events.”

“It’s my first time, get off my back.”

You hum and adjust his bow tie, “When I attended my first gala, I was told I looked gorgeous. You look like you were on a run five seconds ago.”

“Maybe I was.” He stuck his tongue out at you.

You roll your eyes. Thinking about it, he might’ve done so, but who were you to judge for that? You glanced around the room as it filled, fidgeting with your gloves. “When should I do this?”

Finn raised a brow and stopped your fidgeting. “Whenever you feel like it.” He squeezed your hand softly. “It’s your plan.”

You look down at your joined hands, mind spinning for ideas. “It would have to be during a dance of some sort…”

He squeezes your hand again. “Perfect, now go mingle!” Finn spins you around to face the crowd, catching you as you stumble. “I’ll be watching from the sidelines and flirting with some of your friends.”

“They’ll run from you.” You deadpan as he rubs your shoulders in reassurance. The friends you made during Academy were ruthless and you doubted they would spare him a glance.

“From my pretty face? Never.” Finn grins before letting you go.

You watch as he sauntered over to Clemensia — the girl too immersed in others admiring her work for the ballroom. Shaking your head, you complete your own round of the room, also admiring the decorations in silence.

As the night carried on, the orchestra played music for those who wished to dance. Some dance faster, some slower. You were roped into dancing with Festus at least once but left him the second you gave a small bow after you finished the small waltz. You denied the rest of them, politely saying that you were merely hosting.

You walked by the walls as you scanned for perfect moments when the servers were alone. You memorized the faces of the District Twelve men your father hired, making your job much easier as they blended in with the Avoxes.

Your eyes brightened when you found one server leaning against the doorway, giving unamused smiles to those who would look at him in confusion. He caught you staring and gave you a wink. It took everything inside you to walk over and smile prettily — not throwing up or punching him.

You slipped the vial into your hands once more as you grabbed two posca glasses, tipping the contents of the vial into his. Sending him a practiced smile, you handed him the glass — swirling your own for your own dramatics.

He started the conversation between the both of you, his eyes always racking over your body like you were on display. You nodded to all his words, sipping on your posca to help the discomfort you began feeling. You remembered this was all for Sejanus. Eventually, you couldn’t help yourself and interrupted the one-sided conversation, putting a hand up to effectively shush him.

“You don’t happen to know anything that happened in District Twelve with the rebels, do you?” You say slowly, still smiling up at him sweetly.

The man leans against the wall, practically downing his posca. You grimace at the loss of class as he responds with a sharp grin. “Why? You a rebel amongst the Capitolites, sweetheart?”

You bite your tongue at the nickname and push through. “Depends on how you define the word rebel.”

“I could tell you, but it’ll come with a price.” He attempts to grab your waist but you pull away as you pretend to move out of the way for a passing couple. The man purses his lips at the movement but lets his gaze drift to your chest.

“And what might that be?” You do your best to keep up the act just for a little longer.

He tilted his head at you, finally meeting your eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Fine.” You place your glass on a passing server’s plate, dusting off your dress with a small smile that is more likely a wicked one. “Your loss.”

The man slightly drops his jaw as you leave him behind with nothing but small talk. You smile to yourself softly as you make your way back over to an amused Finn. He gave you a lopsided smile when the man shook his head and went back to his job.

“Quite a show you put on. I think he’ll be thinking about that for a while.” Finn spoke with enthusiasm. He ran his fingers through his hair as you fidgeted with your fingers in anticipation and excitement.

“Just a little.” You pinch your gloved fingers together. You look over to the man who rubbed his head as he felt a headache take over his well-being. “Well, until you know…”

Finn hummed and leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets, nodding his head toward the floor. “Have you danced yet?”

“Mm, I did with Festus. Just once.” You stood beside him as your eyes drifted amongst the different Capitol families attending the gala. You couldn’t deny that you were looking for the pair of blue eyes and blonde hair in the crowd.

“Have you been denying everyone else?” Finn raised a brow in surprise. He thought you would want to dance with more people to get your father off your back.

You shrug as you look back at him, “Kinda.”

He laughs lightly, nudging your arm. “You’re something else.”

“Thanks.” You roll your eyes and go back to looking for Coriolanus in a crowd of socialites and power-hungry men. You haven’t seen Tigris at all either, making you wonder if they really were coming to the gala.

“I’m just saying, you…” Finn trails off and clears his throat when someone approaches.

The sound of your name coming from behind you made you put on your practiced smile. You turn to face the person, but in your distracted state, you don’t realize how familiar that deep baritone is. You swallowed thickly as you met the deep azure eyes, your smile beginning to waver.

“Coriolanus.” You look away for a second and clear your own throat, dusting the invisible dirt off your dress. “How can I help you?”

Finn gives you a tired look, slightly shaking his head at how awkward your two were. Ever since you told him what happened, he couldn’t help but be curious about how this was going to play out — especially since you kept talking about the blonde so often.

“I wanted to ask if you could grace me with your presence with a dance?” Coriolanus put his palm face up and presented it to you with a soft smile. His blue eyes bore into yours, waiting patiently for an answer. He would be damned if you said no and would try again the second another waltz was going to play.

“I…” You glance down at his hand, noticing the Snow signet adorned on his finger for the first time in forever. Finn clears his throat again when you stay silent for a little too long, making you snap out of your stupor. You meet his eyes again and smile, “Okay.”

Coriolanus clasps your hand in his and gently guides you to the dance floor. You gave him a curtsy whilst he bowed his head to you before he took your hand in his and began to sway to the orchestra. And for a while you both stayed awkwardly quiet, listening to the beats of the pit before Coriolanus decided to break the silence.

“Beautiful—“

“What are you up to?” You quickly cut him off as he spins you. He catches you in his arms as you give him a curious look — knowing something was up even if he tried denying it. “I know you like the back of my hand, Coriolanus.”

He shakes his head softly at your comment before speaking again. “Tell me.” You shoot him a confused gaze, urging him to continue. “Tell me how you’ve been doing. I want to know.”

You look up at him in surprise as he pulls you close and away. Schooling your surprise, you give him a curt shrug. “I’ve been here and there.” You glance over at his hand that is softly thumbing yours. You let out a soft breath and look back at him, watching his gears turn. “Father has been… significantly worse and I,” Biting your tongue, you refrain from speaking too freely with Coriolanus. “I have been doing better. I’ve been talking more to Clemensia and Festus…” You trail off when you spot Finn giving you a thumbs up from the sidelines. “I also learned how to box.”

“Since when did you have an interest in boxing?” Coriolanus dipped you in time with the rest of the pairs, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow at you.

Your breath hitched with how close he was, so you decided to play dirty. “Since you cheated on me.” He gave you a look of guilt as you walked around one another. “Anyway… Uhm…” You look toward the ballroom again, smiling when you see Finn get rejected by some of your classmates.

Coriolanus watches your reaction and quickly shifts the topic at hand. “Who was that you were talking to?”

You look back to Coriolanus with a confused grin, tilting your head. “Who— Oh! Phineas Miller? He was Sejanus’s friend. He’s teaching me how to box.” You take hold of his hand again as the song slows down once more.

“He’s the one teaching you to box?” The blonde gave you a skeptical look, spinning you around. “He was getting awfully close to someone who’s in an arranged marriage.”

“Well, he helped me mourn, Sejanus. I think that should be allowed.” You retort.

The silence continues for a couple of beats. You took glances from him and the guests, wondering if they would ever know what happened between the two of you. On the other hand, Coriolanus kept his gaze only on you. He watched your eyes sparkle from the decorations and how you would smile toward others when you met their gaze.

He cleared his throat before breaking the silence, but at the same time, you had many different thoughts to ask about. “Listen, beautiful—“

“Hey, you don’t know anything about Sejanus’ death, do you? I was thinking it wasn’t an accident and that someone had betrayed him…” You say quietly and quickly, looking at him with some kind of interest. It was the first time in a while that you actually willingly gave attention to him without him having to fight someone for it.

However, Coriolanus felt his mind stop at your question. He had to say some kind of truth. “Someone did betray him. He was too trusting and it got him in trouble.”

“I knew it.” You whisper somewhat excitedly, squeezing his hand. The blond gave you a soft look. He missed you. You were completely oblivious to his gaze as you continued. “I’ve been trying to figure it out…”

“What have you gotten so far?” He murmured back, listening to you intently.

“Uhm… Not much, just that it’s someone from District Twelve.” You say softly, realizing you didn’t get much information yet. But you knew you would get some more facts sometime during the gala. “That’s why I was asking you since you were there…”

Coriolanus held your waist gently as you both danced around the floor perfectly like the trees bending to the wind's will. “How about this,” He started, making you look at him with intrigue. “I’ll tell you anything that I can come up with, alright?”

You creased your brows together as the music began to slow down to stop. “Why?”

“Like I was trying to say,” Coriolanus brings up the main reason he asked you to dance with him. Yes, he wanted to talk to you without anyone else interjecting every second, but he also wanted something much more important than that. “I want to earn your trust again. And I’ll do what I must.”

He dipped you one last time as the song came to an end. Your faces were a breath away as you whispered, “You’ll do anything?”

“Anything,” Coriolanus says back in the exact same tone.

You looked between his eyes in skepticism before they trailed down when you saw a familiar pendant hanging from his neck. Your eyes widened in shock from both his words and the necklace.

“Coriolanus—“

“Y/N, your father’s looking for you…” Festus approached the both of you, giving the blonde a bored look as he pulled you back up. “Coriolanus.”

“Festus.” The young Snow spoke in the same drawl as his Academy classmate.

You couldn’t bear the tension any longer when it was a mere few seconds. “What did he want?” You spoke softly, hesitantly letting go of the hand that gave you comfort.

“He’s getting ready for the announcement.” Festus pursed his lips, holding his arm out for you.

“Fuck, okay.” You silently curse, forgetting about the announcement. You put your arm through Festus before giving Coriolanus a practiced smile. “Thank you for the dance, Coriolanus.”

He gave you a short nod as you walked away with Festus. When he was out of earshot, Festus gave you a worried look, squeezing your arm.

“And what did Coriolanus want?”

You looked back at the blonde who was still staring at you with the same look in his eyes the first time you two started dating.

“My trust.” You whispered out.

You watched as your father took the center of the ballroom, clinking his drink to gain the Capitolites' attention. The fear slowly seeped into your bloodstream as your father spoke — the sound of your blood flowing ringing in your ear. It felt like ice when your father gestured to you, but before he could add anything else to that matter, a crash came from across the room.

Shrieks filled the air from the corner of the room and everyone stood from their tables to witness what happened. People ran toward the fallen man as you slowly stood from your seat and rounded to Finn.

“He’s been poisoned!” One shouted as more people crowded around to see the collapsed man with bubbling foam spewing out of his mouth.

Immediately, several Capitolites ran to find water — terrified that they drank poison. You hide a small smirk at the sight of the panic, hands gliding over the empty tables full of white wine and champagne.

“Oh, they’re terrified. I hope you’re proud of yourself.” Finn says in disbelief and takes the vial back from you.

You grin as you eye several of the District Twelve members shiver at the sight of one of them getting poisoned and dying on the ground. You swipe a finger on a dessert and lick the remnants off, “I think I am.”

He shakes his head and presses a soft kiss to your temple, holding your head close. “Lover boy is coming over.”

Throwing a glare at Finn as he leaves you with a wink, you look over at the blonde making his way over to you. You bite your tongue as he makes quick work to get over to you, his appearance disheveled as if he continuously messed with his suit. Coriolanus raised a brow at you when you glanced at him with concern before he spoke — having to tilt his head down to meet your eyes with how close he stood.

“You didn’t drink any of that stuff, did you?” He murmured and pushed a stray piece of your hair behind your ear.

Your breath hitches as he touches your hair, but you shake your head to let the air in your lungs. He still managed to take your breath away. “I didn’t…”

“Good.” Coriolanus saw you reach up and mess with your necklace, dropping his hand to yours to stop your fidgeting. “I think I would have murdered someone if you got hurt.”

The tension thickens as he traces the intricate design of your mother’s necklace, his hands cold as they lightly touch your skin. You let his words sink in, feeling your heart ache. Your eyes never leave him — his eyes never leave yours. You were stuck in the same situation as earlier, neither of you wanting to part or leave the other.

You swallow thickly as his hand drops to cup your cheek, his touch suddenly fires to your skin. “Coriolanus…”

“Stop.” He interrupts you before you can say more. “I know and I’m sorry. But I’ll wait.” Coriolanus meets your wavering gaze and his thumb grazing your cheek every so lightly. “I’ll wait until you forgive me; I’ll wait until you trust me; I’ll wait until hot silver no longer melts snow for you.”

The room feels empty as you stare into his azure eyes. Everything became blurry but Coriolanus. Your ears began ringing again when he softly said the last few words he had to say before leaving you to clutch your necklace hard in thought.

“I’ll wait until you understand how much I love you and how I never stopped.”

taglist 1: @peterparkerluvvbot @nathaslosthershit @springholland @psychicpuppyarcade @whodis-26 @coconut-dreamz @slytherinholland @lacysversion @perks-of-being-jojo @itzmeme @noodlesketchbook @upsidedownjill @mizuki80 @unclecrunkle @tiaamberxx @bxtchopolis @starrynightstory @namelesslosers @lugiastark @dangelnleif @aemondsb1tch @witchsbitchestime @ace-spades-1 @ordinarylokix @kookie29 @secretsicanthideanymore @angelscrime @ms-longbeach @rosieleej @alpha-mommy69 @loklaufeysonssgodess @aoi-targaryen @imaginebeingmentallystable @sighsophiia @innercreationflower @cascadingbliss @edb954 @castellandiangelo @nowitsmissing @lookclosernow @httpfandxms @goobitagoobre @vxnilla-hxrddrugs @captainbabybear @becauseseaotters @mvdhvtterxx @moonisu @boredperson120 @kuroosbby001 @dcylight-fciry (comment to be added!!)

98 notes · View notes

starryevermore · 8 months

Text

the house of snow (5) ✧ coriolanus snow

the house of snow ✧ a royal coryo au | pinterest board| ao3

pairing: king!coriolanus snow x fem!reader

series summary: the king of panem is in search of a bride. and, for reasons you can never understand, coriolanus snow has set his sights on you. it would never be a happy marriage, you’re sure of that. but none of that matters, because when snow decides he wants something, he will do everything in his power to ensure it is his.

chapter summary: snow does not like the idea of others playing with his toy.

word count: 2,665

series warnings?: 18+ MINORS DNI, royal au, regency au, arranged marriage, rivals to lovers, obsessive!coryo, jealous!coryo, protective!coryo, eventual smut, eventual pregnancy, more tags to be added later

chapter warnings?: jealous!coryo, pet name (petal), not proofread

“How does it feel to be Mrs. Snow?” Clemensia Dovecote asked as one of the maids poured you a cup of tea.

You watched the maid glance at you, curiosity evident in her eyes. Though you trusted your own lady’s maid with much of your thoughts and feelings you thought best to keep hidden from everyone else, you knew that maids in general liked to talk. Or, rather, people liked to talk. You had little doubt that your concerns in marrying Snow had spread throughout the working class. Had it been a mistake to even discuss your feelings, or lack thereof, for Snow with her? Perhaps. But you couldn’t keep silent about it. You had to talk to someone.

“I am hardly Mrs. Snow yet. I am only engaged, Clemmie,” you said.

Livia Cardew reached for your left hand. You allowed her to take it. She examined the ring Snow had placed on your finger with much scrutiny. It was a silver band with leaves snaking up to the center, where the silver was molded into rose petals. At the center of the flower sat a large, glittering diamond. Livia loved jewelry and all the finer things in life. She could appreciate a nice ring more than you could. “With a ring like that? The King is making a statement.”

“That I am his?” you clarified. It took everything in you to not roll your eyes. If Livia thought that you were not pleased with your engagement, it would spread through Panem faster than maids’ gossip. Who knew what Snow would do if that happened. Livia nodded. “I was already well aware of his interest, as was the rest of the ton.”

“Perhaps you should remind Lord Plinth of that, then?” Livia said.

Your brows pinched together. Had she someone found out about how you once argued that you would rather marry Sejanus? Had word somehow spread? You knew Snow would say nary a word about it. At least, you would assume so from how he acted when you only mentioned Sejanus’s name. You tried to think back. Were there any maids or butlers around when you talked to Snow about this? When you talked to your parents? None came to mind, but the mark of a good servant is to not be noticed. (Or so your mother says.) It could be possible that you simply missed them?

You decided to feign ignorance. “Lord Plinth? What do you mean?”

Clemensia laughed. “We all saw how he looked at you while you danced at his mother’s ball! That man looked at you like you were made of diamonds.”

Livia crinkled her nose. “You may as well be, at least compared to him. I can still hardly believe the Former King Ravinstill ever granted that family a title. A dukedom at that! It just wasn’t right.”

You decided to ignore Livia’s ramblings. It was true that the Plinth family did not have the same sort of respect the rest of the ton, who had been born into their titles for generations and generations stretching all the way back to the formation of Panem. It was why your parents were so adamant that you not marry Sejanus. But he was a good, and kind, and gentle man. “No, that cannot be. Lord Plinth is only a friend. He was the one who told me that…” You stumbled on the word. It felt foreign in your mouth. “…my fiancé was interested in courting me. Why would he do that if he would want to marry me himself?”

“Oh, you poor, naïve thing. It’s a wonder you even got this far in your courtship,” Livia teased. “He was hoping that you would swear off the King and marry him. An act of true love, or whatever the fairy tales say.”

Could that be true? Could that be why Snow was so irate at you speaking of Sejanus? But why would Sejanus ever reveal that to Snow? Snow was so possessive. He would hardly let such a slight go by unpunished. And, yet, Sejanus still lived and breathed. Maybe, then, Snow had deduced this all his own, just as Livia and Clemensia had done.

“Well, it hardly matters now. I am engaged now.”

“If the King is as smart as he was at the Academy, he would marry you soon. To dissuade Lord Plinth from arriving with any last minute confessions that might steal you away,” Livia mused.

You looked out the window, where Coriolanus the Cat perched. In the distance, you could see the Royal Carriage being pulled down the road. It was nearly time for your daily luncheon with Snow. Though you would always dine at the palace, he insisted on picking you up from your home. To anyone who knew of the routine, it seemed like such a romantic ordeal. A man so desperate to spend time with his love that he would do the silliest things. To you, it was merely another way for him to attempt to control you.

“That would hardly change anything,” you said. The carriage stopped outside of your home. The coachmen stepped down, then opened the door. Snow stepped out, his eyes immediately seeking yours as he looked up at the window. Despite the distance, you could see the smirk on his face. It made you feel ill.

“Because you are in love?” Clemensia asked.

You wondered if Snow could read lips from so far away as you repeated, “Because I am in love.”

Livia looked out the window as Snow walked up to your home. “Do you think he knows about Lord Plinth?”

You blinked. You were wondering the same yourself. However, you knew that this was a question you would probably never get answered. You hardly could even figure out how to talk to Livia and Clemensia about this. How could you ever bring it up to Snow, with his quick temper? “It has never come up.”

“And why would it? I’m sure they have much more…exciting conversations,” Clemensia said with a grin.

Your heart thumped at the implication. Truthfully, you did not know what happened when a couple were married. Your mother only ever told you that, after the ceremony, the union ended in consummation and that that was where children came from. She always said she would tell you more when you were older, but that day had not yet come. “We…talk about our future together,” you said.

Clemensia’s grin grew, but before she could tease you further on matters you didn’t have a full grasp on, Snow entered the room. “Good morning, Miss Cardew, Miss Dovecote. Good morning, petal,” he said with a charming smile. “What are we talking about today?”

You opened your mouth to answer, ready to say you were discussing your impending nuptials. You knew that would please him enough to put him in a good mood. But Livia beat you to it.

“Lord Plinth’s infatuation with your fiancé.”

Snow’s jaw ticked. For a moment, you wondered if his mask would fall. But he recovered quickly and said in a teasing voice, “Should I be worried?”

“No, they have deluded themselves into thinking he is interested,” you said, careful to not even refer to Sejanus by his last name. “I told them that it would not have mattered even if he was interested because—”

“Because she’s in love,” Clemensia interrupted, elongating the word “love,” making it sing-songy.

A more genuine smile settled on Snow’s face. His eyes flitted to you. “Is that so?”

But, for as much as you were attempting to placate him, you had to have your fun, too. So, you smiled, and said, “Oh? We were talking about you? My mistake, I thought we were talking about Coriolanus.”

You picked the kitten from his perch on the windowsill, pressing kisses around his face. He purred, curling up in your arms. For a moment, you thought you saw Coriolanus the Cat look smugly at Snow. But, even if he hadn’t, the annoyed look on Snow’s face was joy enough.

“She teases me too much with that cat—”

“—our son—”

“—our son,” Snow corrected. “I almost regret giving her the little thing.”

Clemensia laughed and nudged Livia. “They already argue like they’re married.”

“Well, as lovely as this was, we do have a luncheon to attend,” Snow said, holding his hand out for you to take. You moved to cradle Coriolanus the Cat in one arm and slipped your hand into Snow’s. He helped you to your feet, then flashed another smile at Livia and Clemensia. “And do let me know if you have anymore theories about Lord Plinth’s affections. I have to ensure I do not have any competition, don’t I?”

“Oh, stop being silly,” you protested as Livia and Clemensia nodded.

At that, your mother, who sat quietly in the corner of the room with her sewing, rose from her seat and followed you and Snow out of the home. Since the engagement, she had hardly spoken a word when he was around. A part of you wondered if that was because she no longer felt the need to quiet you since Snow put a ring on your finger. Another part of you wondered if Snow had included her silence in the terms of the engagement. You would, after all, need a chaperone with you until you were actually married, but that did not mean that Snow would want to listen to her protest over every thing you did.

When you reached the carriage outside, Snow helped you climb in. For a second, you wondered if he was going to ignore your mother. But then he held a hand out for her to take as she lifted herself inside, taking the seat across from you. She had learned after the first luncheon that the spot beside you was to always be occupied by Snow.

Once Snow took his seat, the carriage began its trek to the palace. You tried to distract yourself, looking out the window and petting Coriolanus the Cat, who was curled up on your lap. But then Snow reached for your hand, which you allowed him to take. From the corner of your eye, you saw your mother wrinkle her nose. You weren’t sure it was inappropriate for him to hold your hand, but perhaps she knew so archaic social rule you were unaware of. Or perhaps she was regretting her scheming, you mused.

“I do not want you to spend any more time with Sejanus,” Snow said.

This got your attention.

You turned to look at him, your brows pinched together. “Because of what was said this morning? Lord…he is a friend.”

“I believe Miss Cardew and Miss Dovecote were correct in their assessment. I do not wish for you to be around him.” At your frown, he added, “At least not until after the wedding. It will only be a month. Give me this.”

“I have given you so much already.”

Snow squeezed your hand, tight. You tried to pull away, but he refused to loosen his grip. He leaned in to you, his breath fanning over your face. You did not like how close he was to you. “I cannot tell if his intentions are pure. I do not wish for you to be harmed.”

“Sejanus would never,” left your lips before you could think of what you were saying.

Snow’s face turned red. “What did I tell you about—”

“He is a friend, Snow. He. Is. A. Friend. You cannot isolate me from my friends—”

“—not your friends. Only him.”

“—just because you have concocted this delusion he is trying to take me from you. Sejanus may act impulsively from time to time, yes. He may not always think matters through. But he is your friend, and he is mine. Do you understand? As far as he is concerned, we are in love. Even if he had been interested in courting me, he would not do anything to hurt either of us. He is not like you.”

“Not like…You are toeing the line, petal.”

“I am not going to stop talking to a friend, even if it is only until we are married, because you are insecure. Snow, have I given you any reason to think that I would not follow our agreement?”

“No.”

“Have I done anything, save for admitting that I once considered marrying Sejanus, that would indicate I have feelings for him?”

“You have not.”

“Then why are you acting like a petulant child whose favorite toy has been stolen away?”

You watched as Snow’s jaw clenched and unclenched. But before he could say any more, the carriage came to a halt and the door was opened. Your mother was helped out first, then you, and finally Snow. He said not a single word as the three of you were led into the palace toward the dining room. Not until you had passed Coriolanus the Cat off to the butler.

“Join me in the library for a moment, petal,” he said.

You caught your mother’s eye. Oh, how you wished for her to say something. But instead, she took her seat at the table and said not a word. Sucking in a breath, you nodded. Snow smiled and took your hand, placing it around his bicep. You had half a mind to dig your nails into his arm, hoping that it might hurt him. You were already walking on thin ice, and you could not imagine such an act would go over well with Snow.

When you entered the library, Snow shut the large, oak doors behind you. Your blood ran cold. He had not done that the last time you visited the library. Had you crossed the line? Had you gone too far? You were not sure if Snow was a violent man. He had spent some months after leaving the Academy as a Peacekeeper. He was certainly capable of violence. But would he inflict it? On you?

“Snow, I did not mean to—” you began to apologize, hoping that it might placate him.

If you thought Snow had been too close to you before, it hardly compared to him grabbing you, one hand on your waist, the other on your face, his lips pressed against yours. You gasped, trying to pull away. This was not right. This was not…You were not even sure if married couples kissed this way. You had only ever seen chaste kisses, never something so…animalistic. You weren’t sure if Snow was kissing you more than he was trying to eat you alive. When his tongue darted out, swiping against your lips, you finally managed to push him away.

“What the hell was that!?” you shouted. “You cannot just, just kiss someone! We are not married, Snow! You promised that you would not ruin me!”

“Did I? I only recall saying your reputation would never be harmed.” Snow reached for you again. You could not find it in you to push him away, not when he had such a crazed look in his eye. “And it will not be, I will promise you that. If I wish, however, to kiss my fiancée in private, I shall do so.”

“You only did this so I would feel guilty if I tried to leave you for Sejanus, which I have already told I would not do!”

“No,” Snow said. “I did this because you drive me mad.”

“Then lock yourself in an asylum. Do not kiss me.”

One of Snow’s hands left your waist. He reached up, caressing your face. When you did jerk away, he pinched your chin between his fingers. “You are to be my wife. You are to be the wife of a king. I shall treat you however I see fit. Do you understand?”

When you said nothing, he pinched harder. “Do you understand?”

“Only if you understand that I will hate you until the day I die.”

#the house of snow: a royal coryo au #coriolanus snow imagine #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus snow x fem!reader #coriolanus snow x female reader #coriolanus snow x y/n #coriolanus snow x you #coriolanus snow fanfiction #coriolanus snow fan fiction #coriolanus snow fan fic #coriolanus snow fanfic #coriolanus snow fic #starrywrites #starryevermore

291 notes · View notes

maysileeewrites · 9 months

Text

gold cage, hostage to my feelings || teaser

pt. II of my best friend!Coryo x reader mini-series; read part I here

summary: things between you and your best friend become even more intoxicatingly confusing when an upcoming ball is announced ...

After class, the upcoming ball for the Academy’s founding celebration are all anyone is talking about.

Really, you think, as you navigate your way through the halls of the Academy, trying to evade Arachne Crane and her ever-persistent questions, with the way people are talking, one could think that the ball is tomorrow, instead of in three weeks time.

As you pass Festus Creed and his group of friends, you can hear them complaining, trying to come up with a way to get out of attending the ball altogether.

„Well, there’s no way you’re getting out of this one, Felix, your uncle’s the President, after all“, Festus Creed is saying loudly and out of the corner of your eyes, you see Arachne scoffing and rolling her eyes.

„Idiots, the whole lot of them! Well, I certainly don’t want any of them to be my date for the evening, do you?“

Clemensia giggles, shaking her head. „No. Though we don’t really have much more options to choose from other than them. I mean, Dean Highbottom said that we could bring family members or friends that are not attending the Academy, but I don’t want to ask my cousin to be my date!“

Arachne laughs, the sound high and shrill, and you close your eyes, wishing you were anywhere else but here. Where is Coriolanus? The last you’ve seen of your best friend was after class, when he quickly hugged you to his side, saying that he would meet you in the dining hall for lunch, but he had something important to ask Professor Sickle first.

„You can always ask my cousin, if you want“, Arachne now says, laughing, when she sees the irritated look on Clemensia’s face.

„Your cousin Francis? No, thank you, I think I’ll pass. Maybe I’ll ask Coriolanus though …“

You don’t say anything, quickly looking away and trying to hide your irritated frown. Why does she want to ask Coriolanus? It’s not like Coriolanus and Clemensia are that close … well, at least not as close as you and Coriolanus are.

Surely he wouldn’t say yes, though, would he? But what if he does agree to be Clemensia’s date to the ball?

No, he wouldn’t. Or would he? No, that’s absurd, he’s probably going to ask you. But then, why hasn’t he done so already? Why didn’t he say anything right after class? He probably just wanted to wait for a quiet moment, where it’s just you two, no excited chatter and buzzing excitement surrounding you.

But what if-

„Oh yes, Coriolanus would indeed be a fine option, maybe I’ll ask him myself …“, Arachne is now saying, drawing you out of your thoughts.

Clemensia laughs, the sound slightly irritated. „Well, I had the idea first …“

Arachne nods, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. „That may be true, but you haven’t done anything about it yet, have you? Besides, it’s probably pointless anyway, Coriolanus has probably asked Y/N here already“, she says, now turning to look at you with pointedly raised eyebrows.

You reach up with a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear, trying not to let your irritation at her words show.

Before you can say anything, though, Clemensia is turning towards you as well. „Right, I forgot. Has Coriolanus asked you to be his date to the ball? I mean, if he hasn’t, I could always still ask him …“

You bite down hard on your lip, feeling your throat closing up. You don’t want to admit - especially not to Arachne Crane and Clemensia Dovecote of all people - that your best friend has in fact not yet asked you to be his date to the ball and that you yourself are unsure whether he actually will. Before that … incident that one morning a few weeks ago, you wouldn’t have hesitated to say yes, yes, of course Coriolanus will ask you to be his date to the ball.

Now, though, things have changed.

You feel - differently towards your best friend. You’ve already felt differently about him before that incident, realizing that you might have felt more towards him than just friendship. That incident only further confirmed that what you feel for Coryo isn’t just friendship.

You don’t want to just be his best friend anymore.

You want him - and not just like a best friend.

You want your best friend, want to be with him.

Want to feel more of that feeling you’ve felt that morning, when he was pressed against you, his hand between your legs, his lips on your neck.

You want all that, and so much more. Even knowing that you’ll never have it, because Coryo will only ever see you as just his best friend - even though you feel like he’s started behaving differently around you as well.

You can’t quite explain it, but something in the way he talks with you, something in the way he looks at you has changed. Before that incident, you’d already caught him staring at you here and there, his gaze on you lingering. Now though, it feels like his eyes are on you all the time; giving you a teasing taste of the feeling from that morning-

„Y/N?“ Arachne’s irritated voice draws you out of your thoughts and you feel your cheeks growing hot. If only Arachne and Clemensia were knowing what you were just thinking about, then they probably wouldn’t look at you so smugly.

„Has Coriolanus asked you to be his date to the ball?“

You clear your throat. „I-“

„There you are!“ An arm snakes around your waist, drawing you back against a muscled chest - Coriolanus. You smile, letting yourself fall back against him, feeling his grip on you tightening.

„Arachne, Clemmie“, Coriolanus now says, acknowledging the two girls. Both of them look uncomfortably surprised to have your conversation interrupted by him, sharing a look between them.

„Coriolanus …“, Arachne says, finding her composure first. „We - uh, were just talking about the ball, wondering whether you already have a date?“

Even though you can’t see Coriolanus’s expression, his grip on your waist tightening even more, with his other hand settling on your hips as well, caging you in his embrace, tells you exactly how irritated he feels by Arachne’s question.

„As a matter of fact, I have“, Coriolanus says, and for a moment, you feel sick with nervousness. Is he really going to ask Clemensia - or, even worse, Arachne?

„Y/N will of course be my date to the ball.“

You feel your heart starting to beat faster at his words, even though you feel slightly annoyed as well. Because even though you’re elated at the prospect of attending the ball with him, you really wish that he’d actually asked you to be his date.

„Oh, uhm, that’s - lovely, isn’t it, Clemensia?“, Arachne says, not even trying to hide the obvious disappointment in her voice.

„Yes - lovely, indeed …“

„Wonderful“, Coriolanus says and even though you can’t see his expression, you just know that he’s smirking at them. „Now, if you’ll excuse us, I have something I need to talk to Y/N about …“

And before you know it, he’s turning you around in his arms, guiding you away from Arachne and Clemensia - guiding you away from the hall full of of chattering students, until you’ve reached a quiet, secluded nook.

Coriolanus’s hands are still on your waist and as you look up into his bright, piercing blue eyes, you realize just how close you actually are. You can feel his warm breath ghosting over your skin and he’d only need to lower his head towards you-

„So?“, he says, smirking down at you, „will you be my date to the ball?“

When he sees your surprised expression, he laughs, leaning in even closer to you, and you feel your heart starting rapidly in your chest. He’s so close - so close that your lips are almost touching-

„I know you, Y/N“, he says, still smirking. „And I know that you want me to actually ask you - so, will you be my date to the ball?“

I'm so sorry for the long wait, but with all the Christmas and New Year's excitement, I just didn't really get around to writing. I've finally started working on Part II of don't want you like a best friend, though, and I hope that this extra-long teaser makes up for the long wait!!

series taglist:

@asapkyndall @slitsphilia @ravenclawprincess33 @mckennah123 @serving-targaryen-realness @mentallyyy-unstable @mizuki80 @snows-wife @prettyinsatiable @ashcosmo @generally-awqward @snowflxke @nallasstuff @ajs-222 @spiritofbuddha @notyourwildestdream @earthangel-111 @bhdem @toogardenheart @iheartinkonpaper @daisiesformylove @ebsmind @dominqueeekk @cherrybomb8484 @dangelnleif @minmin1328 @xhyaryx @nycweb-slinger @acatwriteshere @lookclosernow @allcheesemelts @bxtchopolis @hopefulcupcakerebel @squidscottjeans @evan-peters-wife @just-a-littlebit-of-everything @ghsface @spear-bearing-bi-witch @loxbbg @floralcyanide @ilikefictionalmen @smxipixie @devils-blackrose @lcvecstiel @leigh-kay @r02eg0ld @gottoomanycelebritycrushes @nomorespahgetti @wpdarlingpan @sabrinasbd @alwaysvettel1 @flu0re @alpha-mommy69 @iwantosleepwithyou @hikarikram @scarletttargaryen @angelicblondie @ultrav10l3nce @kuroosbby001 @coriosgf @wearemadeofstardust0 @w4llfl0wers

comment if you want to be added to the taglist! (please check your settings whether anyone can tag you in posts, otherwise I won’t be able to tag you!)

#coriolanus x reader #coriolanus snow #coriolanus smut #coriolanus x you #coriolanus imagine #coriolanus x y/n #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus snow x you #coriolanus snow x y/n #coryo snow #coryo x reader #coryo snow x reader #tom blyth #tbosas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #x reader #the hunger games #don’t want you like a best friend 🦋

205 notes · View notes

leonawriter · 3 months

Text

Avian/bird whisperer Hakuba who hears about Kaitou Kid using doves in his thievery and doesn't just come to chase him but to figure out if the birds are okay, and ends up coo'd over by an entire dovecot's worth of birds who are all more than happy to tell him exactly how much they love their master and friend Kaito the moment he tells them that he won't (can't, the speech of birds can't be used in a court of law, after all) use what they say against him.

His impression of Kaito becomes rather more positive after that, and Kaito himself finds it hard to truly hate the detective when he keeps coming around to his house (he'd wondered if the guy had come with a warrant, the first time) to... pet and play with his doves? And bring them treats?

The chase becomes more fun than to actually catch and arrest Kid, although it is sometimes hard to explain to a flock of excited birds that no, they cannot use him as a perch or beg treats when he isn't supposed to know them right now.

It also becomes headache-inducing when the birds start to try and encourage him to spend more time at the dovecot-nest. To be friends with Kaito more. Birds don't see things the same way humans do, but when they spend enough time around humans they can... translate well enough back and forth that Saguru knows that it's the same effect as an extended family all trying to say want to stay for dinner, dear? Because one time hearing one of the birds ask when he was going to start giving nest-gifts to Kaito was more than enough of a hint. And unfortunately there's nothing he can say any longer to stop that kind of talk.

Equally headache-inducing is how Watson had outright asked to go with him to Japan at least once. He had thought that his own bird was more mature than a flock of doves, but apparently that was all a misunderstanding, because the moment Watson knew who Kaito was, the overgrown chicken started flapping wings and protesting that he "only wanted to talk." While the case was still ongoing.

From the sound of what he heard later, Watson had hunted after Kaito after he'd flown from the helicopter and, since Kaito couldn't talk to birds, had simply... stared Kid down for an apparently uncomfortable length of time.

It's only after Kaito ends up watching Hakuba talk his birds into doing things he'd never been able to teach them as tricks that Kaito realises what Hakuba is capable of and that he's not just known he's Kid all this time but Known, and had inside information, and- he lets himself explode a little, calling his birds "little traitors" and accusing Hakuba of only coming over to see his "information sources" rather than him.

They're both rather hurt by that.

Kaito more so than Saguru, after Watson decides to take matters into their own hands (wings, claws) and screeches in his ear, as well as "not being careful" with the claws and beak until Kaito agrees to go and apologise to Saguru.

A few of the doves go with him, and get rather excited, flying off ahead.

Saguru himself dryly points out that he's well aware that whatever happened, Kaito must have forgotten to return the target of the previous night's heist, because now most of their shared aviary is convinced that said gemstone is Kaito's first nest-gift to him. Which Saguru will graciously accept before handing it in to the police, thank you very much, even if he doesn't admit exactly how he managed to get his hands on it.

#dcmk stuff #bird whisperer hakuba au #hakuba saguru #kuroba kaito #hakukai

58 notes · View notes

maysrinn · 9 months

Text

Mr. and Mrs. Dovecote 🕊️🐍

Well, how did this happen, how did these two, Clemensia and Festus end up with each other?

Definitely not on the first sight or first anything, Festus was married to Persephone for years after graduating from university and during the following years of Coriolanus's rise to power. Yet not every teen romance lasts forever, both of them divorced on good terms or so they thought with Festus developing a drinking habit believing it was his fault/failure. The fatal day both he and Clemensia met again was during a party at the presidential estate

Clemmie was to first to notice that something wasn't alright with him and she was there for him during that time after realizing that her old irrational academy friend got himself into a fatal situation. She became his helping hand, spending more time with him than anyone else and everything from that point is a natural cause of events. He proposed to her after 2 years and took the surname Dovecote beside the common norm.🕊️

______________

Festus is now not allowed to be near alcohol within a 70-foot radius, always equipped with water.

The little tiny bean in the middle is Augustus or short August. Clemensia's “only addition to the capital society” is how she phrases it with humor. August is a lovely quite smart curious boy who loves to learn new things on his own. He’s 6 years old, born in September three months after Rosie who he is close to, even childhood best friends 🌹

The Dovecotes are the closest family to the Snows, with Clemmie regularly being over to tell Lucy Gray everything thats been going on while the kids play. It’s almost considered gossip with the first lady feeling bad that it is entertaining.

#the ballad of songbirds and snakes #alternate universe #hunger games #tbosas #the hunger games #thg #clemensia dovecote #festus creed #thg fanart #the brains and the brawn #literally #coriolanus questions clemmies life and marriage choices #festus is a dingus #a gentleman of a dingus #still a dingus tho

106 notes · View notes

phoward89 · 5 months

Text

Based on this ask

Written special for my amazing moot @swiftieblyth

Everything seemed to be looking up for you. The last couple of months have been great. Your old friends, the ones that had backstabbed you, were no longer in your vicinity and you made new friends out of Clemensia Dovecote and Persephone Price, the girlfriend of Festus Creed. Coryo was leery of Persephone tho; even called her a cannibal because her father, Nero, had cut a dead maid's leg off to feed his family during the war.

Yea, that disturbed you a bit, but you didn't hold it against Persephone. She was a kid; most likely didn't know what she was eating. You always swatted your boyfriend's chest when he started his cannibal talk.

And talk about Coryo, oh he was just the best boyfriend to you. Truly, he was amazing. Despite his cold, stoic, callous nature he was very loving, genuine, and thoughtful with you.

Everything was going great, until it wasn't…

It was mid-June, University’s spring semester was over, Coryo graduated with a double major degree in Political Science and Military Strategy, and he was now deep in his work as the youngest assistant gamemaker in the history of Panem. And that happens to be whenever the bullshit drama with your ‘friends’ started up again. It started with little things, really.

Like they'd walk past you when you're at the mall with Clemmie and Persephone- making snide remarks under their breath. Remarks that'd have Clemmie serving them cunt with loud clap backs that made your ‘friends’ recoil with embarrassment. Clemmie and Persephone wanted you to tell Coryo about your old friends stalking you on shopping trips; saying nasty things about you under their breath while passing by, but you told them that it wasn't bad enough for Coryo to know. That they're blowing it up into something bigger then it is. You even made Persephone promise not to tell Festus, for fear that he'd tell Coryo since they're like best friends.

Of course your girls agreed to keep the low key mall drama about your ‘friends’ to themselves. But they did make you promise to tell Coryo about it if it got too bad.

And you didn't intend to keep that promise, until one day you had to.

Things were escalating with your old friends to the point where they were trash talking you on social media- again. This time tho, well, they're dragging your boyfriend into it. Saying that he has to fight your battles, that he fights dirty by fucking up people's lives just cause you can't deal with being called out with shit, that he has to ruin everyone that looks at you the wrong way, etc, etc, etc. You knew that Coryo wasn't big on social media (he had a Pangram account, but he rarely posts or goes on it) and hoped that he wouldn't find out about the ‘friends’ drama 2.0, but unfortunately for you his other friends did have social media.

And of fucking course Festus Creed had told Coryo all about the drama. Even showed him the slew of nasty posts that the salty bitches were posting about you and him. And to say those posts pissed your boyfriend off was an understatement. He was absolutely livid.

So livid that he wants to kill all of these ‘friends’ of yours that’re talking shit. Between trash talking you and dragging the Snow name thru the mud, well, those girls better run far far away from the Capitol and fast.

But now that Coriolanus knows what's wrong he understands why you've been sulking lately. It's been frustrating for him seeing you stay in bed, buried underneath the blankets all day for days on end; not wanting to do anything. But now he understands why.

And he's determined to make you feel better.

“I bought you a new book from that author you like.” Coryo told you, walking into the bedroom you share only to see you in bed, reading a book that he swears you reread about 5-or-6 times already.

“Thank you, Coryo.” You weakly smile, feeling blah even tho you're reading one of your emotional support books.

“Festus showed me the posts that those girls are posting about us, my darling.” Your blonde boyfriend confronted you while walking over to the bed and sitting next to you. Placing a supportive hand on your knee, he asks, “Why didn't you tell me they started their bullshit again?”

Closing your book, you looked down in embarrassment and sighed, “I don't want you thinking that you have to come to my rescue over this. It's my problem with these girls, not yours.”

Placing the new book he got you on the bedside table, he gently cupped your cheeks in his large, calloused hands and tilted your head back slightly so your eyes met his baby blues. “Y/N, baby, it's my job to take care of you and protect you because I'm your boyfriend; I love you.”

Your eyes began to well up with tears. “I don't know why, I'm such a loser. You could do better, find somebody that doesn't need you to defend them all the time.” You sniffled.

Hearing you talk like that because of those ‘friends’ of yours broke his heart. Coriolanus thinks that you're amazing. You're a beautiful person with a beautiful soul who made his dark withered up heart bloom and beat with love again. How could you think he deserves better when all he wants, needs, and loves is you?

Rationally, Coryo knows that it's depression and anxiety due to the situation talking and not really you, but that doesn't mean he truly understands your words. They hurt him because he just wants you to be happy; to be happy with him.

Your platinum blonde boyfriend pressed a soft feather light kiss to your forehead only to wrap his arms around you and pull you down onto the bed to cuddle with him. “You're not a loser, darling. You're perfect for me.” He assures you, kissing the tip of your cute nose. “You know that I'm here for you, baby. You can talk to me or not, but I'm here.”

And Coryo was there for you. He did everything in his power to pull you out of your depression and to help you settle down your anxiety. He ordered your favorite pastries, coffee, and refreshers from the high end coffee shop down the street from your penthouse, only to surprise you with brunch in Grandma’am's rooftop rose garden. It was a very romantic and thoughtful gesture. One that brought a smile to your face.

Coryo also played all of your favorite board games with you in another attempt to cheer you up. The two of you sat on the bedroom floor, rolling dice, dealing fake paper money, and trying to line up little letter blocks to make words while playing game after game over glasses of wine.

Coriolanus never played board games before he got with you because, honestly, his family was too poor to afford them. But when you moved in with him and brought your game collection, well, he'd play them with you once in a while. But now that you're in a funk, well, he's busting out the games more often than not to put a smile on your face.

Even when he comes home dead tired from preparations for the upcoming 14th Hunger Games, he's still finding the time to cheer you up. To support you.

And then when he's too tired to do anything and sees that you're having a hard time with your depression; that you haven't left the bed since he left in the morning, he orders pizza for the two of you and binge watches your favorite movie series with you. He cuddles you in bed, letting you curl up in his side, while watching TV in bed and reminding you how much you mean to him.

Coryo's also devising some plans to permanently get rid of the girls that are so mean to you, but you didn't need to know that. All you needed to know was that he's your loving and devoted boyfriend who will always be by your side no matter what.

And one day when he's President Coriolanus Snow and you're his First Lady Y/N Snow everyone will be too scared to say anything mean and hateful about either one of you. And if they do, well…they won't be breathing too long afterwards once he has a special afternoon tea with them.

Tags: @kuroosbby001 @purriteen @poppyflower-22 @meetmeatyourworst @whipwhoops @bxtchopolis @readingthingsonhere @savagenctzen @ryswritingrecord @erikasurfer @tulips2715 @universal-s1ut @thesmutconnoisseur @squidscottjeans @sudek4l @wearemadeofstardust0 @mashiromochi @gracieroxzy @belcalis9503 @shari-berri @aoi-targaryen @whiteoakoak @spear-bearing-bi-witch @gisellesprettylies @loverandqueenofdragons @qoopeeya @mfnqueen1 @permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 @v-love @joyfulyouthlover @harvey-malfoy @tian-monique @chxrrybomb22 @marvel-hiddles-stark @xjinnix @devils-blackrose @zombicupcake3 @jacesvelaryons

92 notes · View notes

slaymitchabernathy · 4 months

Text

Playpen

Coriolanus watches Soarynn from across the courtyard. Watches how she throws her head back when she laughs, how her hand comes to rest on Clemensia Dovecote’s shoulder as if she’s saying: “I may have been gone for the last twelve years, but I am still one of you.”

Indeed she is.

Coriolanus had been worried about how Soarynn would do coming back to the Academy. Would she fit in or stick out like a sore thumb? Would his friends like her? Would the professors see her as District?

But she assimilated back into the Capitol lifestyle quite easily, and he humbly acknowledged that it was mostly his doing.

They were official. They were together. Boyfriend and girlfriend. Snow and Nightingale.

Mother was already talking about grandchildren.

“Coriolanus?” He’s pulled from his regular daydreams about Soarynn by the voice of Festus Creed, one of his best friends. “Yes?” He asks, turning to look back at the assignment they’re supposed to be working on. Festus smirks and raises his eyebrows, “She’s not going to run back to Two you know.”

Coriolanus knows he’s just teasing but the thought has crossed his mind one too many times. The thought of Soarynn leaving. Of her father being called back to Two and his loving, doting daughter going with him. It’s not even the thought of her leaving that truly frightens him, but the thought of her reuniting with the boys she’s had sexual encounters with.

For that District scum to try and put their hands on the girl he already adores is a terrible, terrible thought.

He shrugs, “It doesn’t mean I can’t keep a watchful eye on her. Besides, her father asked me to make sure she’s doing alright.” And he had, Glen had pulled Coriolanus aside one night when he was visiting the Nightingale residence.

“I must admit, I’m quite pleased that you and Soarynn have been getting along so swimmingly. So I do hope it’s not too much trouble to ask you to look after her when I’m not there to do so.”

Coriolanus had been honored to be trusted this swiftly and blindly. Never mind the fact that their parents have been friends for decades. To have your girlfriend’s father openly express his approval of your relationship was something every man hoped for.

“Right,” says Festus, flipping through one of the many history books they’ve been given for the school year, “you’re just looking out for her because her rich daddy asked you to. No other reason.”

Coriolanus scoffs, yes, Glen Nightingale is rich, but Crassus Snow is richer. If Coriolanus wanted to date some girl for her families money, he could’ve done that years ago.

But it was hard not to fall for Soarynn Nightingale. She was gorgeous, tan skin with long blonde hair and pink lips. And she was so utterly charming. She gave Coriolanus a run for his money which was something he hadn’t expected. Most Capitol girls were submissive and pliant, easily bending to his will.

But Soarynn wasn’t raised in the Capitol.

She was raised to be independent, opinionated and truthful. She did not hold back when it came to her opinions.

“You can fuck me a little bit harder,” she had said to him the other day once they finished. Coriolanus had been at a loss for words. Never had a girl so openly communicated what she wanted from him. But Soarynn was more than happy to speak her mind with him. She felt safe with him and that was something he knew to never take for granted.

He still can’t seem to tear his eyes off of her despite Festus and his teasing and for a moment, her eyes meet his. She gives him a smile before turning back to talk to her friends and Coriolanus sighs, school can’t be done soon enough. He’s found it more difficult to focus in his classes now that Soarynn is back.

He doesn’t know how, but his mother managed to pull some strings to ensure that Soarynn shared every single class with Coriolanus. “So she can adjust to her classes better darling,” she had said. Coriolanus knew how much his mother loved Soarynn, how taken she already was with his girlfriend so he didn’t argue with her.

Besides, it was terribly convenient.

He liked being able to hold her hand while they walked through the hallways, to share notes and read from the same textbook. Textbook! He has to focus on reading right now or he'll fail this assignment and his partner. "Did you hear that they're moving the horse races to after the Hunger Games this year?" Urban Canville asks as he takes a seat at their table, earning him several surprised looks from the rest of them.

Coriolanus exchanges a curious look with Felix Ravenstill who's sat across from him, "Why? Is there something wrong with the horses?" Pup Harrington asks, leaning forward. Urban shrugs and gives them a small smile, "Apparently there's been a problem in District Ten, you know, where we get the horses. The people there are so hungry that they've resorted to eating the horses to survive."

All the boys wrinkle their noses and let out displeased sounds. To eat a horse is downright barbaric. Coriolanus isn't surpassed that people in the Districts would succumb to this level. "Well I'm not surprised, they're below us in so many ways," Coriolanus retorts.

They all nod since they've all been fed the same mindset about the Districts since they were small. Coriolanus feels a bit disappointed that the races will take place later than he originally planned for. He's already told Soarynn about them, how he'll take her to his family's box so they can watch in the comfort of air conditioning and the finest food and drinks.

He looks back over at Soarynn and his jaw nearly drops. She's talking to Sejanus Plinth. Not just talking, laughing. He watches as she so casually rests a hand on his forearm and leans into him and Coriolanus feels his eye twitching, his fists curling, his jaw clenching. And never the fact that Sejanus is gay. That he is attracted to men. Because as far as Coriolanus is concerned, he's attracted to something and that is enough for him to pose a threat to Soarynn.

Festus lets out a low whistle when he sets his sights on the train wreck happening across the courtyard, "Looks like she found a new boy toy, Snow." Coriolanus ignores Festus and his snide comments and is already on his feet and moving towards his girlfriend who still hasn't noticed his approach. But Sejanus has. His eyes slightly widen and he gives Coriolanus a smile, "Coryo! I didn't know you were dating Soarynn."

Coriolanus stops in his tracks, a good two feet away from Soaeynn and Sejanus who both look at him expecarlty. He nods tersely, "I am," is all he has to say which earns him a confused look from Soarynn.

But Sejanus is oblivious as they come and doesn't pick up in the slight tension, "Well, Soarynn was telling me all about her time in Two. I can't believe we both practically grew up there!"

Soarynn's face slightly falters and Coriolanus knows why, because as hard as Sejanus clings onto his past life in Two, Soarynn has spent much more time there than Sejanus ever has. Coriolanus remembers Sejanus showing up to the Academy right around the same time Soarynn left. Almost as if the Capitol traded one family for the other.

Coriolanus, of course, was cautious around Sejanus, didn't quite trust him although he didn't know why exactly. Sejanus was defiantly more outspoken about how the Capitol treated the Districts, a big fat sympathizer if Coriolanus has ever seen one. But he never really did anything that would lead Coriolanus to outwardly hate him.

He was District, which was reason enough.

Coriolanus thought maybe when Sejanus came out as gay that maybe that was why he felt so...uncomfortable around him. He didn't care who Sejanus liked, to each their own.

"It's remarkable," Soarynn says smoothy before rising to her feet and gathering her things into her satchel. Coriolanus was going to her house after school and he was more than desperate to leave now that Sejanus was talking his ear off. He did his best to remain polite while Sejanus rattled off about one of their professors but his focus remained on Soarynn who was taking her sweet time to pack it up.

"We should get going," Coriolanus suddenly says, cutting Sejanus off from his tangent, "we um...we have a lot of school work to catch up on." He extends his hand out to Soarynn and she takes it without hesitation, allowing Coriolanus to pull her to his side where he already feels much better. He presses a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the sweet smell of vanilla.

He watches Sejanus and how his face slightly falls before he smiles again, "Well, it was good to see you two."

Coriolanus wishes he could say the same but he simply nods and Soarynn waves before they watch him walk away. "He seems sweet," Soarynn mumbles. Coriolanus scoffs and looks down at her, even though she's smaller than him, she is most defiantly his equal. She's his equal in the way she challenges him, thinks like him, cares for him.

"He's District Soarynn," he reminds her, "he can't be trusted."

Soarynn frowns, "I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that I was talking to Crassus Snow instead of his son. But please let me know when you find Coriolanus."

And with that, she walks away.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus remembers when he stood in front of this door with his parents, so unaware of what was waiting for him on the other side. This time when the door opens, it's the Nightgale's maid who answers the door with a kind smile, "Mr. Snow, please come in."

He gives the woman a smile and steps into the Nightingale's townhouse, taking off his shoes and handing his coat to Maria their maid, "Thank you, Maria. Is Soarynn home?" He hopes he doesn't sound as desperate as he feels, but even if he did, Maria would never comment on it. She's good help, and as far as Glen and Soarynn are concerned, she's also family.

Coriolanus knows his own father's distaste for servants in the house. He doesn't trust any of them, not even Avows. But Glen hired Maria shortly after his wife passed to keep the house clean and she's been with them ever since, she even went with them to District Two.

Maira nods and hangs up his coat, "Yes sir. She's upstairs in her bedroom. Would you like me to bring you two a snack?" Coriolanus feels his mouth water at the mention of a snack. Maria is some sort of magician in the kitchen and he's been craving her tarts for weeks now. "Not now, thank you. But maybe some tarts for dessert?" He suggests, earning him a smile and nod from Maria.

If I'm even allowed to stay for dinner, he thinks to himself as he climbs the stairs.

Soarynn's door is closed as always but before Coriolanus goes to open it, he's drawn to the closed door at the end of the hallway. Even after all these years, the Nightingale's house still remains somewhat of a mystery to him, including several rooms upstairs that he's never been inside of.

He might be going against his better judgment bit he treads down the hall and quietly opens the door. It opens with a slightly groan and dust billows in the air when he steps inside, steps inside of....

A nursery.

One look around this room tells Coriolanus that this was a nursery meant for a baby girl. He finds it a bit strange considering that Soarynn is an only child and most people convert their nurseries into a more functional space once the baby outgrows it. But he remembers seeing Soarynn's nursery in the pictures her mother would show him, and it certainly didn't look like this. Unless...

He recalls very little about Mrs. Nightingale. She was very pretty, smelled like vanilla, and was kind, kinder than his own mother. But he feels as though she was constantly resting her hand on her stomach in the months leading up to her death. And perhaps she got a bit bigger too?

"I was going to have a little sister."

Soarynn's voice makes Coriolanus jump and he turns around wide-eyed to find Soarynn leaning abasing the doorframe. She doesn't look mad or upset. Her face is neutral. Calm even.

Coriolanus swallows. He doesn't know what to say. What do you say to someone who not only lost a sister, but a mother in the process? He knows what it's like to lose a sister. His mother nearly died trying to give birth to his little sister. Her name was going to be the name of a flower, Poppy, Rosie, Primrose, Daisy, something like that.

He never got to meet her.

"I didn't know," is all he has to say, his voice is hoarse.

Soarynn nods and looks down at the floor, "We weren't too keen on sharing it with the world. But now you understand why we left when we did. We had to get out or this house would've eaten us alive."

He gets that, boy does he get that. Roaming the halls and knowing that there's a ghost in the house is a horrible feeling, one that he experienced when he was little, along with his mother. Father always acted indifferent toward the whole situation, "We have our heir," he had said, "that's all that matters."

Soarynn seems so removed from it too, so past it. But isn't he as well? Coriolanus can't remember the last time he thought about his sister.

He wonders if both of them would've turned out differently had their sisters survived. Would he be kinder? Would Soarynn be meaner?

"I'm sorry," he says, although there are a number of things for him to apologize for right now. How he acted today in the courtyard, her dead sister. Two wonderful options to choose from. Soarynn raises her eyebrows and he already knows she's going to make him work for it. She's always been good at that, making him try.

"I'm sorry for how I acted today with Sejanus," he starts, "I know you have your...feelings, about the Districts as do I. We shouldn't let those keep us apart." Coriolanus could say a lot of things about the Districts, how backward those people are and how needy and dependent they are on the Capitol, always wanting to suck their resources dry.

But Soarynn wouldn't like that.

Soarynn's face slightly softens and she lets out a deep sigh, carding her hand through her blonde hair, "We're always going to be different Coryo, it would be strange if we weren't different. But talking about people that way, seeing them as less than simply because of where they were born is horrible. What if the roles were reversed and I was from Two and Sejanus was from the Capitol? Would you still date me or would you cast me aside and make fun of me behind my back?"

Coriolanus feels his throat growing drier and drier at the thought of Soarynn being from Two instead of Sejanus. It's bad enough that she had to live there but being born there is another thing entirely. But when he looks at her face, he sees something, desperation. She wants him to want her no matter what, no matter who she is and where she's from.

And he does want her!

Soarynn is perfect just the way she is despite her District-loving flaws but those can be dealt with further down the line. Right now, he has to secure his relationship with her and tell her exactly what she wants to hear. At least that's what his father does with his mother whenever they get into an argument.

He takes several strides until he's standing right in front of her and gingerly reaches for her hands, wishing to close the distance between them. Her small hands are so warm compared to his large, cold ones. They're a perfect fit. "My darling," he says, looking down into her dazzling eyes, "I would love you in every universe, Capitol or District, rich or poor. Nothing could ever keep me from you Soarynn. Nothing at all."

That seems to be the perfect thing to say because Soarynn breaks into a big smile, "You're quite the romantic, you know what?" She asks, tilting her head as she looks up at him. Coriolanus doesn't even try to wipe off the smug smirk on his face, "It's that famous Snow charm that the ladies can't seem to get enough of." Soarynn gasps and playfully swats at his chest. It's no secret that either of them has had their fair share of flings and sexual encounters.

The only difference is that Soarynn's reputation could be severely tainted should anyone find out that her previous encounters were with those from the Districts rather than the Capitol.

That's why it's good that she has him to protect her from these things. As long as Soarynn is by his side, no harm should come to her.

꧁ ꧂

"These are delicious Maria."

The older woman shoots Soarynn a kind smile and sets down another plate of tarts on the table, and these ones seem to be a different flavor much to their delight. "You two enjoy," she tells the young couple before walking back to the kitchen.

Coriolanus snags a tart off of Soarynn's plate and she slaps his hand, "There are two plates full of tarts and you insist on taking mine," she scolds him. Coriolanus gives her a sheepish grin, "Everything tastes better when it's with you." Soarynn blushes because they both know how many meanings that statement can take on and for the most part, he means it in a nonsexual way. But there's always room and time for sex.

When is your father getting home?" He asks, looking around the dining room for any signs of life from Glen Nightingale. All he sees is Petunia curled up on one of the windowsills.

Soarynn pops another piece of her tart into her mouth, "Um, I don't know. He's been working pretty late the past few weeks." Coriolanus nods but he's already thinking of all the things they could be doing upstairs right now.

And maybe that's the teenage boy in him, always wanting to have sex but he can't help it! Not when it's her. When it's Soarynn looking like that right next to him in a silk pajama set. With the thin strap of her shirt falling off of her shoulder, "Well, why don't we go upstairs and study?" He suggests with some lust in his tone.

Soarynn eyes him and smirks, "Because we're so studious."

"The most studious."

They subtly excuse themselves from the table after praising Maria once again about her delicious tarts and make their way upstairs. Coriolanus scoops Soarynn into his arms once they reach the top and she lets out a squeal, "Coryo! You might be the most impatient person I've ever met."

He grins down at her as he carries them to her bedroom, Petunia hot on his heels since she seems to have a habit of feeling left out of things. “No shame in wanting to bury myself in that sweet little cunt of yours darling,” he replies, reveling in how pink Soarynn turns.

Soarynn Nightingale is many things. A vixen is one of them. Coriolanus has had his fair share of sexual encounters and yet Soarynn seems to trump them in every single way. She can be extremely docile one moment and completely and utterly frustrating in the next, challenging him in their sexual domain.

He can’t get enough of her.

Just last week he ended up fingering her while they were in class. It was surprisingly easy since all the girls wore the mandated skirt to school and she had it coming since she’d left him with a rather large problem after teasing him in the courtyard.

He had done it the second the lights in the classroom went out so that they could all watch an education film, a film that no one seemed interested in watching but it was the perfect opportunity for him to get back at her.

But Soarynn took it like a champ, not letting anyone around them know about their current underlying situation.

Another thing he loved about Soarynn, her discreetness when it came to their sexual encounters. She played the innocent school girl daughter around both their parents but was his little slut behind closed doors.

It seems that they have both their parents fooled when it comes to how far they’ve gone sexually because neither of them have any objections when the two young adults spend the night at each other’s houses.

Father seemed to catch on slightly as to what was happening under his roof one night though. He had called both Coriolanus and Soarynn into his study late at night once mother was asleep.

“I won’t say I don’t approve of this union,” he had said, eyeing the young couple who nervously sat across from him, “but don’t think that I haven’t caught on to what you two have been doing.”

Soarynn of course, played innocent and had the nerve to look confused whereas Coriolanus focused his stare on the floor. There was nothing worse than being confronted by your own father about things like this. “Doing what Mr. Snow?” Soarynn had asked, tilting her head.

Coriolanus expected his father to chastise her, to lecture her has he’s done to him a million times before but instead he grew an amused grin. “You have very long nails Ms. Nightingale.”

Neither of them knew what to say to that, especially when Coriolanus knew that a few days ago his father had seen him getting ready in his room, just about to put on his shirt which put his back on display. Coriolanus had inherited his father’s looks for the most part which included his pale skin.

Pale skin with red lines going up and down his back courtesy of Soarynn’s long nails.

They made an effort to be more discrete after that.

Coriolanus kicks the door open to Soarynn’s bedroom, momentarily remembering what it looked like when they were younger, when things were simpler. He thought he knew everything when he was little, but after discovering the abandoned nursery today, maybe he still has more to learn about Soarynn.

“Make sure to lock the door,” Soarynn breathes before capturing his lips in a kiss.

Coriolanus nods into the kiss and fumbles with the door handle. He highly doubts that Glen would come barging in without knocking, but his mother certainly does, so they’ve learned to take necessary precautions.

Once the door is locked he crosses the bedroom and tosses Soarynn onto her bed, smiling when she giggles. Sex has for the most part, been an exchange of sorts for Coriolanus. But with Soarynn it’s become so much more. It’s become truly intimate, a place to laugh and enjoy himself.

“I know we just ate, but I think I’m still hungry,” Coriolanus informs her, crawling onto the bed and enjoying the feigned look of innocence she gives him.

He’s wanted to rip off those silk pajamas since he saw her in it and now is the perfect change to do so. Soarynn tilts her head, “I’m sure Maria could whip something up for you Coryo.” She tacks on the nickname in a teasing manner and it does nothing but rile him up even more.

He grabs her ankles and tugs her under him, pressing a knee between her thighs, “Maria’s cooking will always pale in comparison to that sweet little cunt between your legs,” he blatantly informs her. Soarynn whimpers and he leans down to kiss her again, this time more passionately and aggressively.

He thanks his lucky stars that Soarynn is a girl who prefers it rough and hard most of the time rather than a girl who only wants him to be gentle with her. Coriolanus has no problem treating Soarynn as if she’s fragile like glass. But he also doesn’t have an issue with fucking her like she’s unbreakable.

It’s all about balance.

His hands run under her silk shirt and he grabs her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers and relishing in the soft moans she lets out. Soarynn is sensitive all over but her nipples seem to be more sensitive than other parts of her.

“Coryo,” she moans, rutting her hips against his. Coriolanus groans and pulls away from the kiss, “Be patient darling.” He doesn’t make her wait any longer before he tugs her silk shorts down her smooth legs and throws them somewhere over his shoulder.

He’s met with an enticing baby blue thong with a little bow on the front in true Soarynn fashion. He can’t believe stuff like this constitutes for underwear but he’s not going to be the one to discourage Soarynn from wearing it.

He can see that she’s already soaked through the fabric so he pulls that off too, nearly doubling over when met with the enticing sight of her perfect cunt. She’s already so wet for him and he happily dives in, lapping at her wetness, sucking on her clit.

Soarynn’s hands fly to his golden curls and she tugs on them harshly which means he’s doing a good job. “Right there,” she says, her tone is breathy and she’s grinding into his face. Coriolanus makes a mental note to have her ride his face one of these days, so he can watch her fall apart on top of him.

Coriolanus gently bites her clit between her teeth and Soarynn cries out, her nails dig into his scalp, almost like she’s giving him head scratches.

He can feel that she’s getting close even though he’s not inside of her yet. He’s gotten good at learning her cues, learning what gets Soarynn off and what makes her unravel.

“Please, please, please Coryo,” she begs, nearly suffocating him with her thighs. Coriolanus moans against her cunt before licking a stripe from top to bottom, stopping at her clit and swiping back and forth. That’s all it takes for Soarynn to cum.

She finishes with a loud moan and heaven knows that Coriolanus could listen to her moan all day long. It’s a sweet melody, almost like a song and he is the cause of it.

He slowly pulls away from her cunt, pleased to see it leaking and puffy. Soarynn is still recovering, her chest rapidly rising and falling as she lies on her bed and Coriolanus wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.

Both of them seem to have quite a bit of stamina when it comes to sex which means they’re both always down for several rounds if time allows. And right now, they have all the time in the world.

Coriolanus kisses her thighs before kissing up to her stomach, leaving a few hickeys where he sees fit. He loves seeing her covered in love bites, knowing that she belongs to him and that he’s the cause of these bruises.

When he finally reaches her face, Soarynn seems to have finally caught her breath and her dazzling eyes look into his eyes, “Was that good,” he asks her, taunting her a bit.

Soarynn lets out a breathy laugh and cards her fingers through her long blonde hair, “It’s always good with you.”

Coriolanus grins and gives her a soft kiss, “Good. Because I’m just getting started with you.”

| Part 2. |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

39 notes · View notes

maidstew · 1 month

Note

hey!! Based on your last post I was wondering if you had thoughts on what social media in the Capitol is like? I think about that a lot haha

so funnily enough i’ve had a draft saved for over a month with some silly thoughts about the mentors + social media so i’m just gonna paste that into here!!

it’s not brought up in tbosas and it seems like they use house phones as means on communication. but what if it was just the snow’s that didn’t have cell phones/social media? perhaps he plays it off by pretending he’s above it and that he doesn’t want to waste unnecessary resources while they’re still rebuilding from the war.

but the other mentors- the elite rich kids- definitely have them and frequently post on social media. it’s fun to think about a scenario where the mentors we meet in panem, being from elite families, are sort of…famous on social media.

festus creed & pup harrington

these two definitely have a podcast together and have a decent following from it. they’re a really funny duo and capitol citizens love them.

clemensia dovecote

i can see her being panem-instagram (pangram? well go with pangram.) famous. i don’t think she even has to try- people just adore her and love her style. she’s definitely a trend-setting in the capitol. if she suggests a make-up product, it instantly sells out.

livia cardew

i’ve jokingly suggested a reality tv show for livia before- i just think she would be so well-suited for it. livia just has a certain personality that draws people attention- whether positively or negatively.

persephone price

being one of the prettiest girls in the academy and having friends that already have a good amount of followers- i think persephone also has a decent sized following. she tries to stick to a darker aesthetic on her instagram and really plays into the “persephone” in persephone price.

felix ravinstill

being the nephson of the president of panem- he probably has one of the highest amounts of followers. he doesn’t necessarily love the attention but it’s important for a ravinstill to involved in the social sphere.

#asks #social media au #thank u mia for sending this!!#i can finally just delete that silly draft and release this nonsense into the wild!!

21 notes · View notes

snowalwayslandsontop · 2 months

Text

"I'm sorry, but did you just say that I should marry Felix." Coriolanus was certain that he had not heard Doctor Gaul correctly. It was late, nearly midnight and she had been working him at all hours in the lead up to the next Games. They were months away but he knew she was scrambling to make these the best, yet again. "Yes. I've been giving this some thought recently and it makes sense. You need a political alliance if you aren't planning on remaining a Game Maker forever. The Plinth dollar will only take you so far and they're still District, regardless of where they reside." Doctor Gaul was hovering in his office doorway, her bag in hand as she was clearly preparing to leave for the evening. "I'm certain there are more suitable candidates for a marriage of convenience." Coriolanus had never once considered Felix as a prospective partner. They were friends in the vaguest sense. He was closer to Festus than he was to Felix but they had spent enough time together over the years. "Who exactly did you have in mind? Miss Dovecote has made it clear that she wants to marry for love, not convenience which is why she still remains unattached. Livia Cardew? Her only saving grace is her mothers connection to the Bank of Panem. A pretty thing but she will bring you nothing but trouble." Gaul offered him a pointed look. This was not the first time they had discussed his prospective marriage. He had no interest in marrying for love. It was an entanglement he didn't need. No one would ever be allowed to touch his heart again. Lucy Gray. Sejanus. They were both in the past now and he would only look forward to the future. He liked Clemensia and he had floated the idea of marriage but she had turned him down, knowing they would never find that type of love with one another. Besides, she had never quite forgiven him for working with Gaul after what she had done to her. "I don't think Felix Ravinstill is interested in forming a relationship with me, let alone a marriage for convenience." Coriolanus remained unconvinced about Gauls supposed plan. Had she already discussed this with President Ravinstill? Just what she was hoping to get out of this? She hadn't come up with this plan out of the goodness of her heart. He knew Gaul viewed him as a pawn in her own little game and if she wanted this, it was because she was going to get something out of it. "The good news is that Felix doesn't know exactly what he wants. He's quite malleable in the right hands and I'm certain it would not be that difficult to lead him whatever direction you want." Gaul moved further into the room, coming to stand in front of his desk. "A marriage of convenience and a closer relationship with the President than you have right now. He likes you. He sees great potential within you and if you were to marry Felix, you'd be a Ravinstill for all intents and purposes. A powerful position, especially if you intend to take the Presidency one day." Coriolanus sat back in his chair, realising that this was far from a flight of fancy by Doctor Gaul. No, she had given this some deep consideration. She must have been keeping this thought to herself for some time, weeks if not months before she had approached him.

A marriage to Felix wasn't something he had considered before and yet, with Doctors Gauls words, the idea seemed to be taking shape. He would indeed become a Ravinstill, even if he knew he would never willingly give up the Snow name. But it would give him closeness to the family he hadn't had before. Being a family of the 'Old Guard' of Panem alongside the Plinths money could only take him so far and he needed more. The connection was a valuable one that he couldn't use by simply being friends with Felix as he was. But there were more complications than Gaul had considered certainly. "Felix and Festus have been an off and on again couple for some time." Coriolanus mused, more to himself than Doctor Gaul but she was already waving her hand at that concern. "Mr Creed is not going to marry Felix. We both know that he continues to have his eyes set on Persephone Price for marriage and besides, even if he didn't, I'm certain you could turn Felixs head. As I said, he's quite malleable in the right hands." Coriolanus shook his head at that. Could he seduce Felix? Probably. Under the guise of friendship and a marriage that would suit them both. Would that be enough or would Felix need a feeling of love from him too? "And steal him from Festus? The man will never forgive me for it, whether he intends to walk Felix down the aisle or not." "Losing Festus Creed would not be a tragic loss. He might be from old money but he is not powerful enough to cause a problem for you. Besides, if he has genuine feelings for Felix, it could earn you his loyalty." Gaul gave him a pointed look. "He wouldn't want to cause problems for your new husband now, would he?"

Coriolanus supposed not and if Felix did go onto marry Persephone, it could earn him her loyalty too at the insistence of her husband. The Ravinstills, Creeds and Prices support together would be invaluable when the time came to run for President, or anything where he might need the support of some of the more powerful families in the Capitol. He had the Plinths too, who while they were still seen as District, had moved on and up in the world once they had declared him their heir. "Let me sit with this for a few days." Coriolanus needed sometime to wrap his head around with this idea. "Don't sit with it too long. Next Friday evening, you will attend Pluribus' night club and I'll see if I can pull a few strings to ensure Felix is there too." Gaul was turning to leave once more. Coriolanus wondered if he should concerned that Doctor Gaul knew his schedule even when he was off the clock. "It's a casual enough evening, where the drinks can flow freely." "I certainly hope you're not insinuating that I need to get someone drunk to even consider being with me." Coriolanus was only half kidding, although he wondered if there was an insult in her comment. Apparently there wasn't, because she laughed at his words. An off-putting sound that still made his stomach churn despite how many times he had heard it. She paused in the doorway to turn back and face him. "No need to play coy, Mr Snow. We both know that you can be quite persuasive when you choose to be. You're learning. As I said, Felix is quite suggestible and I'm certain you'll able to persuade him without him even realising you're doing it." Gaul gave him a pointed look. There was a hint of smile and amusement across her features but he was also aware that this wasn't a suggestion. She expected him to do this, whether he wanted to or not. "Yes, Doctor Gaul. I'll be there on Friday evening." Coriolanus gave her a nod and Doctor Gaul recognised that he understood that her suggestions weren't really optional. "Very good." Doctor Gaul nodded, a hint of a genuine smile in his direction. "Go home, Mr Snow. It's late." Clearly she was pleased with his response, since she rarely told him it was time to take his leave for the evening. "Yes, Doctor Gaul. Good night." Coriolanus watched her leave the office, feeling relief in her absence. Once he was certain she was gone, he leaned forward to rest his head in his hands.

He had certainly not been expected this when he had come into the office this morning. A potential marriage of Felix Ravinstill? The nuptials would be a long way off yet. They'd need to date first, see if they were compatible in any way because Coriolanus did not want to be miserable or have problems made for him by a difficult spouse. However, Doctor Gaul was correct in that Felix could be easily persuaded, quite malleable under the right guidance. He could be that right guidance. Use Felix to whatever end he needed and discard him if he came too troublesome. His minds eye wandered to Felix. He was a pretty thing certainly. But he was spoiled and he had squandered away his destiny as a Ravinstill. The name and family privilege was wasted on him but it could be salvaged by Coriolanus himself. He could use the name and money and power to take what he wanted, with Felix at his side for as long as he was useful. A fine idea indeed. Coriolanus smiled as he stood, starting to pack up his paperwork for the evening. The idea was growing upon him and he wondered if Friday evening went well, if Felix would attend the Polo match with him on Saturday afternoon. They'd need to take things slow enough, make their romance believable and perhaps give Felix himself a chance to fall in love with him. It would make this arrangement easier. Love clouded ones judgement. He was only too painfully aware of that himself. He wouldn't be foolish enough to put himself in that position again but it could certainly work in his favour if Felix did develop feelings for him. Once his desk was clean and organised, he clicked off the desk lamp and plunged his office into darkness. He picked up his briefcase, closing the door behind him before heading for the elevator, a slight spring in his step as he focused on his next task. Seducing Felix Ravinstill. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A/N: This idea would not leave me alone once I had seen your response to the ask about Felix and Coriolanus in a marriage of convenience. @felixravinstills So this is dedicated to you and your splendid takes. I couldn't resist having Gaul have a hand in all of this because she really is the absolute worst and her mentorship with Coriolanus is so deliciously messed up. But I do think once they start dating, Coriolanus develops some obsession with Felix and perhaps passion ignites between them after all.

#hunger games fic #ballads of songbirds and snakes fic #felix ravinstill x coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow #felix x coriolanus #felix ravinstill #//is there a ship name for them?#rare pair

22 notes · View notes

meekmedea · 28 days

Text

Endymion Dovecote & Aelia Dovecote née Beauchamp

The middle child of three siblings, Aelia works at Lavinium, a luxury jewelry store owned by her family for quite some generations. The reason why 'Dovecote clementines' exist. Upon her marriage to Endymion, she scandalized the more traditional elite crowd by continuing to work at Lavinium.

Outside of doting on his wife and daughter, Endymion is an avid piano player (courtesy of Cleopatra) and a bit of a history nerd. High society, however, knows him best as the secretary of energies.

~~~~

mini moodboards for Clemmie's parents ~ it didn't seem very fair to leave out her parents when I've made moodboards for Hector & Cleopatra.

BONUS

more so the vibe than anything else, but this sort of give off Cleopatra 'mourning' the death of a spouse & attending high society events. If I had to guess which spouse, probably spouse #2 or #4.

#ocs: endymion & aelia & cleopatra dovecote #moodboards #dovecote family thoughts #tbosas

14 notes · View notes

catindabag · 10 months

Text

The fourth set of ✨Academy Photos✨ in my TBOSAS Crack!AU. Here’s PART 1, PART 2, & PART 3.

PS: A certain Mentor (Festus) secretly gave the Tributes a camera to share in order to quench their boredom while waiting for the final verdict that would change Panem forever. (AKA: The great trial to stop/revamp the Hunger Games and replace it with ✨Panemvision✨). Enjoy~.

Sabyn, Facet, and Velvereen pretending to enjoy Palmyra Monty’s infamous expired family pie before being rushed to Dennis Fling’s Black Market clinic again to recover. #barelysurvived #send #sorrows #prayers #foodpoisonedby #PalmyrafreakingMonty

Domitia Whimsiwick laughing at Festus Creed (at the back) because of his failure to buy booze and chocolates for the group. The convenience store clerk thought Creed was just 15 years old and almost got him arrested for illegally buying alcohol as a minor. #Festusfails #Felixhelpus #almostgotarrested #again

Velvereen, Facet, Dill, and Mizzen hiding at the back of the school kitchen while waiting for their Mentors to empty out the food pantry again. #atfancyschool #washungry #needthatheavenbread #withMizzenthegremlin

Bobbin (Corn Poppy) being forced by Coral and Wovey to go with Coryo and Sejanus to an underground dance competition, just because he can backflip and do somersaults for fun. #weneedcash #dancedancebaby #Snowjanus #masterplan #withBobbinCornPoppy

Bobbin (Corn Poppy) with a very happy Coryo Snow. They won the underground dance competition and got some extra cash for the Tributes. Also, a jealous Sejanus took the photo out of spite. Now Bobbin is on Plinth’s hit list for touching his sugar baby fiancé without permission. #wewonbaby #wehavecash #Snowjanus #masterplan #youbetterwatchout #BobbinCornPoppy #Coryoismine!

Clemensia Dovecote got caught reading a banned book that was once owned by Dean Casca Highbottom when he was still dating the ever gorgeous Crassus Xanthos Snow. #allaboutlove #Crasca4Ever #bannedbook #gotanotherdemerit #sorrynotsorry

Mizzen the gremlin and Brandy Sharp Candy trying to act normal and posing for their respective Districts while touring the old Capitol train station with their Mentors. Honestly, they just want food and souvenirs to bring back home. #choochoo #nomoreHungerGames #touringtheCapitol #withourMentors #PercyPrice&rice

Facet and Velvereen posing inside Livia’s gigantic walk-in closet. They were the only Tributes to be invited by Mama Cardew because of their ✨fashionista✨ status. #Bestlooking #Tributes #DistrictOneforthewin #sponsoredbyMamaCardew #wegotthebanksbaby

59 notes · View notes

tumblingghosts · 5 days

Note

Hi!! Had a time travel idea lately and felt like you were the best to ask. So what if where we go forwards instead of backwards and Academy!Clemensia ends up in the future, sometime around the 74th games?

Regardless, she's travelled to a future where her future self no longer alive. How would her friends & family react? Would she be killed off by President Snow quickly?

Haha you can decide whether this pre or post snake bite Clemmie.

oooh academy clemmie travelling forward in time :D !!

it took a while to draft a response for this, but i have thoughts for several different scenarios-

i. pre snake clemmie facing president snow

clemensia is pretty disoriented landing in the future. she still recognizes the capitol, but she doesn't know where in the capitol she is. none of the buildings match up to what she knows- it's been built up to what it had been before the war, but grander. she's able to ask for directions to her house, confused by the fashion of everyone around, but when she gets there, it's being lived in by someone else. that unsettling feeling she had been trying to ignore can no longer be suppressed. she doesn't know where she is or what happened.

it takes more asking around to get anywhere. there's a lot of bustle about the hunger games, and she can't remember anyone looking forward to it as much as these crowds. but she does end up seeing a broadcast of president snow and that's her first real lead. it doesn't take long to piece together the old man that is shown as president, the lack of president ravinstill, and "74th" hunger games. she knows her way to the presidential palace. she's been there to play with felix on more than one occasion. clemensia gets turned away by the guards at first, but manages to use her Dovecote Charm(TM) to at least get the guards to pass on a message to president snow.

"clemensia dovecote seeks an audience." and snow is curious enough to look at the camera footage at a very young, very alive clemmie asking after him. he agrees to meet with her, and she's escorted to his office to talk with him. clemensia trusts coriolanus as a friend- but the man in front of her? it's not quite just the difference in age or strong smell of roses. maybe it's the look in his eyes that makes her wary. regardless, she doesn't bring it up, and if he notices anything, he doesn't either.

there are the general questions of "how did you get here" and "what's the last thing you remember" alongside "president snow now, is it?" and "you're doing rather well for yourself, it seems" - but beyond that, is the pressing matter of the hunger games, on both sides. on clemensia's side, they've been assigned tributes already, and she's a bit jealous that coriolanus is paying so much attention. she asks- teasing, rhetorically- if reaper had won those games. the look she receives in return is so sour that she changes the topic swiftly. instead, she asks after the current games, what all these changes and "excitement" is about, and snow explains.

snow is looking at her like she's something to be kept, and clemensia is looking at him and trying to parse where exactly coryo is in the face and actions and mannerisms of the man before her. she's treated as a guest, in the following days, though is met with no one but avoxes, and sees no other capitolites besides coriolanus, on occasion. she's getting more wary of it all by the day.

meanwhile, seneca crane's actions of allowing two victors of the hunger games are giving snow a headache. he's compartmentalizing. he's realizing that clemensia, as she is now, is a risk. on some level, he thinks (he knows) she wouldn't quite agree to how he sees things, the means by which he had gotten into power. he won't admit to himself that they were wrong, but he thinks, it would be terribly unfair if clemensia were to have to come to this kind of shock. and besides, she's a tether to a childhood that he'd taken great lengths to bury and rewrite, without the age to teach her of the kind of digression he wants from her. snow considers his options and decides on a course of action.

clemensia is feeling rather boxed in. she's provided with food and amenities, but all channels on the television seem to be covering the hunger games. "it's the biggest event of the season!" says every single broadcast she flicks through. there's some romance scene playing out between the tributes from d12. she kindly requests to talk with snow again. snow "concedes" to her request. clemensia agrees to discuss further over tea. there is little discussion had.

time progresses: katniss everdeen sparks a revolution. snow tunnel-visions on the emergence of a mockingjay. anyone who spotted a young, dark-haired girl seeking out an audience with the president just a short few weeks ago before the 74th hunger games bears dual-victors know well to keep their mouths shut. it was only rumor, after all, and she was never seen again besides. clearly, it not a topic that was worth any interest.

ii. pre snake clemmie facing her friends and family

clemensia is lucky when she lands in the future. the people around her are startled by her sudden presence, but they recognize her and she turns to the person who had spoken her name. she doesn't recognize the person who says it. not quite. but-

"festus?" (clemensia doesn't know it yet, but felix and iphigenia have died years ago, persephone was killed shortly after titus's games, and festus is at an awkward point where he's not quite friends with coriolanus anymore, but not in a place that makes him an enemy.)

after getting over the initial surprise of clemensia's arrival, they settle down enough to fill her in on what is happening. clemensia- the one that had grown and lived and married- is dead, and has been for years now. it was a "tragic" car accident, though there is suspicion of foul play. she learns that the other there are her husband and children, and further, why festus is meeting with them. with so much attention on the hunger games (and that is another topic that they need to catch her up on), it is easier to have these kinds of meetings in relative privacy. all eyes are on the arena, and everyone is gathering to watch the broadcast anyway.

clemensia learns of coriolanus turning to president snow, and hears out the suspicions that he was behind her death from people who have grieved her dearly. but she isn't that person. clemensia, eighteen and not yet graduated, is not the wife and mother and friend and confident that they have so dearly missed. but she is welcomed, and so clemensia stays.

she is made a secret, one that her family- the one that she is growing to know- keep hidden. she wants to talk to coryo, but sees well enough from his appearances on broadcast that president snow is a far cry from her dear friend. sometimes, she wonders if the risk of speaking to him might be worth it. she never voices it, and does not leave the house. she might not be recognized by the general populace, but it only takes one wrong person to look a little too closely, for word to get back to get to snow, for it to all fall apart.

she tries to get along with the men and women that are her future self's husband and children, but they're older than her, and she can't fill that role. they never ask her to, but it is an awkward adjustment, because none of them quite know how to interact. she fills a lot of her time seeking out answers to what happened to the people she knew, learning history and questioning how much has been rewritten.

in the off chance that clemensia makes it through the second revolution, i think it would be really cool to have her as one of the people that speaks to snow after his execution. he might think, at first, that she's a ghost of his past that has come back to haunt him, as an image of clemensia before the first point in their friendship that had fractured their relationship- the snakes- but those thoughts are quickly dispelled once they actually begin speaking.

by this point, clemensia has seen what he's become over the series of broadcasts in the aftermath of the d12 victors, in the announcement of the second quarter quell, as the rebellion escalates, but she thinks she knows him enough to believe him when he says that he didn't drop those bombs on the capitol children and medics. (festus hadn't made it past the revolts in when the rebellion picked up. the man who'd been her future self's husband and his child had died in the explosion- clemmie mourns them, for the year that she's known them and how they'd become family).

clemensia leaves the garden, not having gained what she was looking for. she isn't quite sure what she's looking for at this point- but she's not yet twenty at the end of an era. she doesn't have a plan forward, nor does she know what she would do if she could go back to the point she left. could she face her classmates and friends knowing the fate that befalls them over nothing but snippets of eulogies? there's no place to hide anymore, just a path ahead. as panem rebuilds, she does her best to rebuild a life as well.

iii. post snake clemmie landing in the future

similar to the start of scenario i., except clemmie sees "president snow" and wants nothing to do with him. how can she trust coriolanus when the scales on her skin are more than enough reason to be wary? the fact that he's president and "proudly announcing" the 74th hunger games is just additional reasons to stay away. she does get a couple of compliments for the scales, which she does her best to conceal, and it only serves to make her a bit more paranoid and wary when she first arrives - it's horrific, what was done to her, and how could anyone say that they're lovely?

she's been at the mentor chair of the 10th hunger games, and she's seen the end of it- reaper collapsing after being tired out by lucy gray, and coriolanus disappearing to d12 to supposedly be punished, but also rumors are flying that he's chasing lucy gray there. there was never the chance to rekindle their friendship because clemensia was sent forward before he ever returned. as far as she knows, coriolanus served out his twenty years as a peacekeeper- and climbed his way to presidency after his mandatory service was over.

clemensia does get more oriented as she figures out that she's in the future and how the culture has been shaped in the decades that she's jumped past. she does her best to conceal the scales, but finds that people find her odder for trying to hide them than for having them. she's cautious, and also worried that talking to the wrong people might get the attention of snow. she tries to reconcile coryo with the president overseeing all the glamor of these new hunger games. she recognizes names- crane, heavensbee- but is unsure if there's anyone she can even seek out.

she's able to get food and temporary places to stay with her charm and the kindness of strangers- using a fake name in an attempt to keep her anonymity. she gets recognized anyway. let's say it's lysistrata this time. clemensia is avoiding hospitals as much as she can, but maybe their paths cross when clemensia is out trying to find a new place to stay. lysistrata initially thinks that clemmie is one of the dovecote children and greeted her with that name- clemensia doesn't realize that lysistrata is talking to her, but she turns at the familiar voice anyway. it's at that point lyssie realizes that oddities are afoot, and invites clemensia home to figure out what's going on.

lysistrata is hesitant to believe that clemensia is actually clemensia from the summer after the 10th games, but after a short conversation, there are no other explanations. it's pretty similar to scenario ii., with clemensia being hidden, but this time she's a bit more involved in efforts against snow, both because of her own animosity and because lysistrata is involved with the rebels. it would definitely make for an interesting (and possibly more hostile) interaction in the rose garden (compared to ii.) if clemmie makes it to that point in this case.

iv. clemensia back in the past in the aftermath

clemmie lands back in the moment she "left" after her trip to the future and it is a- complicated ordeal. she's back with her alive parents (and potentially alive reaper depending on the scenario). she knows where things end up, but she doesn't quite have the same personal stake in it as she would have if she had lived through it herself, rather than being told of or reading through the events that have taken place. there's varying levels of wariness depending on if it's pre- or post-snake bite clemmie.

i think she would likely seek out her friends or parents if it were post-snake bite and fill them in (not on the time travel, but of the situation with gaul/coriolanus/snakes) so it's much harder for him to integrate back into capitol society when he gets back from d12. maybe she spreads rumors about what really happened to lucy gray and sejanus- clemensia doesn't actually know that coriolanus is responsible for their disappearance/death, but the suspicion is enough to cause some damage. maybe she's the "sympathetic ear" for him amidst all of these "mysterious" rumors before she gives him the treatment from what's in a name?

for pre-snake bite clemmie, she's returning from either getting killed by snow or after having a conversation before his execution, so her opinion of him is still pretty low. i like to think that this leads to her being more invested in reaper & being a better mentor in turn- she's somewhat motivated by spite and trying to undercut coriolanus's efforts with lucy gray. (she likely doesn't know that lucy gray won the 10th games here, but it's more the principle of the matter.)

whether this spares her from being bitten or not is up to debate. maybe her being around reaper more means she ends up (inadvertently) preventing arachne being killed. if not, maybe her wariness of coriolanus keeps her from lying to gaul- she debates whether it's more dangerous to admit to not doing the work vs considering that coriolanus poisoned her (scenario i) and might throw her under the bus even if he says "it's fine" to claim they collaborated on the essay.

i do think that, in any scenario, she would be pretty rattled to know that the games have continued on for decades after, especially since they're waning in popularity at the time of the 10th games. if not for the children dying, then because of how much they have been played up for entertainment just puts a bad taste in her mouth (given her opinion during prof. demigloss's seminar that people avoided watching them bc they're gruesome) which gets reinforced when she thinks about reaper dead/potentially dying.

thanks for the ask medea!! :D

#tbosas #clemensia dovecote #coriolanus snow #tbosas time travellers #backpacks asks

12 notes · View notes

take-it-on-the-run · 9 months

Text

Burn

Sejanus Plinth, Coriolanus Snow

Looking back at it, Sejanus should've seen his fate coming at him like a brick through a window

Word Count: 2.1k

Tags: Angst (?), AU where Sejanus lives and outsmarts Coryo, OOC!Sejanus (he has a spine), guest appearance from Lucy Gray

Characters: Sejanus Plinth, Coriolanus Snow, Lucy Gray Baird

Anonymous requested: "An au of where Sejanus lives instead of dies but finds out coryo betrayed him (his only true friend betrayed him and left him heartbroken/extremely hurt) so he goes home and seeks comfort from burning that photo of him and snow (kind of inspired by the song burn from Hamilton) but he burns the photo and then sobs his poor heart out"

Read it on AO3!

A/N: This was my first ever request! I want to thank the person who requested this fic for putting some faith in me to write something! I'm not great at writing angst when it comes to people I don't know a lot about (Sejanus) but I hope this isn't too horrible. As always, any constructive criticism is welcome with open arms!

Sejanus Plinth Masterlist | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Masterlist | Main Page Masterlist

Sejanus Plinth hadn’t had many friends as he grew up.

He’d come from the Districts, and his beginnings weren’t lost to him. His family, on the other hand, acted as if they’d been born in the Capitol and hadn’t only been there for ten years.

When he transferred to the Academy, his beginnings were certainly spotlighted by his classmates. People turned away from him, whispering in each other’s ears as he walked by; he was an outsider, through and through.

Sure, people talked to him, walked with him in the halls, and laughed when he made jokes, but no one close enough he’d call his friend.

The money that came attached to the Plinth name was a blessing, but sometimes it was more of a bubble surrounding him. People only talked because of his name, only walked because of his name, and only laughed because of his name. At the end of the day, he’d go home to a house full of nothing but empty people and return to a school that only wanted to know him because of the Plinth prize.

At a mere eight years old, he’d thought of disappearing for the first time, until a boy in his class sat down and offered him a gumdrop.

It was a small gesture, but compared to the ridicule Sejanus had been under for his first months in the Capitol, it showed him that there was at least one soul in the sea of vultures surrounding him.

Sejanus had learned the boy’s name was Coriolanus, but only his grandma’am called him that, so it was simply Coryo.

Coryo didn’t mind much of what the other kids thought when the two of them started to study together in the library, sending a brief, cold glare toward anyone who talked loud enough for him to hear.

He hadn’t known it at the time, but the only person he’d call a friend had come to school with that gumdrop for a reason, but, until their final year in the Academy together, Sejanus was content with the idea of Coryo being his only friend.

When it finally came time for the two of them to graduate, and for the Plinth prize winner to be announced, he knew this year was different.

Greed leaked from every last person in the room, including the boy Sejanus befriended all those years ago. Even when it was announced that there was a final test, one Sejanus knew was coming, his friend barely blinked.

“You will each be assigned a tribute from the Games to mentor,” Professor Highbottom’s voice bellowed as he paced in front of the group of students, “and depending on how each of you does in your mentoring, your chances of winning the Plinth prize,” his steely eyes flickered to Sejanus before returning to the group at large, “will be greatly affected.”

People murmured around him, being quickly silenced by Highbottom’s finger in the air.

Sejanus nervously shifted his eyes to his friend, looking for someone to see just how insane this entire idea was, but was met with the side of his head as Clemensia Dovecote whispered something to him. The both of them laughed, Coryo wiping the smirk off of his face with his hand before looking back to their teacher.

Looking back at it, he should’ve seen his fate coming like a brick through a window.

Professor Highbottom announced mentors and their tributes right before the Reaping was displayed on the large screen in front of the class.

Marcus, was his tribute’s name, and Sejanus tuned the rest of what Highbottom was saying out - without even having to look, his heart dropped to his knees as District 2’s Reaping was screened above him.

District 2 Male, Marcus; another boy who Sejanus had befriended.

When the camera panned to the young man, Sejanus craned his neck to look at his former friend. His hands were swollen, his hair shorter, and his clothes were the customary masonry uniform of District 2; but looking at him felt like a window to his past life. His face remained the same as it always had, the small mole near his right ear almost acting as a way for Sejanus to prove that this was who he remembered. Who’s spot he could’ve easily been in if his family hadn’t transferred to the Capitol.

Marcus wouldn’t meet his eyes when they met again for the first time in ten years.

He looked at Sejanus through the metal bars, at his hand outstretched with food, and turned away silently. He didn’t give him a second glance, even after he eventually accepted the food through another tribute.

Marcus didn’t even get a chance to defend his own life.

A stupid tour of the Games’ arena, meant for strategizing, tore that away from him.

The explosion went off, and in a flash, Marcus was gone. Coryo and his tribute were covered in smokey debris, and all the screaming made Senjanus’ head practically explode. He turned back to see Coryo pulling his tribute out from underneath the rubble, yelling at them to run for the exit. He spun, looking around for Marcus, but deep down he knew he’d already run; so that’s what Sejanus did; he ran as fast as his legs would carry him as he waived the exit route to everyone trying to escape.

In the days leading up to the Games, Sejanus let himself think - hope - Marcus had escaped Panem somehow. Done something he only could dream of.

That hope was crushed the moment he saw Marcus hanging by his arms on a rock in the arena. His face was disfigured, and blood leaked from every part of him, landing drop by drop in a large pool far beneath him. The others barely flinched as they found their tributes, waiting for an alarm bell to sound.

Again, he turned to the only other person he could’ve called a friend, for some semblance of comfort, and instead saw he too was looking for his tribute.

Sejanus knew Coryo had felt something for that District 12 girl, probably before his friend realized it. Every time she spoke, his head turned to attention, taking in everything she said. He wanted to pretend that he didn’t see their hands interlaced as they went to preview the arena, but he couldn’t.

Coriolanus Snow had a heart, just not one to share.

The strings holding his heart in place buckled, and Sejanus swore that his mind, body, and heart were acting on their own accord.

Before he could pull back his words like he had all these years, he was screaming at the rest of the mentors in front of their screens. At the stupid man waiving his microphone around. At the Capitol, the formality of it all, all of Panem for existing in the first place.

At Coryo.

“Monsters!” He felt blood rush to his face as he jabbed his finger at everyone in the auditorium, “all of you, are monsters!”

No one spoke a word, yet all eyes were focused on him as he stumbled away from the stage, his stomach churning and trying to empty itself.

Not one person stopped him from running out of the room, it was like his words didn’t meet their ears.

It was only when Coryo was practically dragging him from the arena that night, tooth and nail, did Sejanus thought his words reached someone. When he felt Coryo’s hands rip him from Marcus’ body, away from the friend his family had forced him to leave behind, did he think that just maybe he cared about him at all.

The rest of that night went down so quickly, Sejanus could swear it was a nightmare; if only it weren’t for Bobbin’s death being broadcast the next morning.

As he watched Coryo bash the tribute’s head in, over, and over, and over, and over again, he felt his heart stop. Not out of loneliness, jealousy, or even desperation; but out of pure, blood-freezing, fear.

After that night, Sejanus locked himself away until his punishment for breaking into the arena came.

Being shipped to District 12 to serve as a Peacekeeper for the next twenty years of his life.

A light sentence is what his father called it.

He heard through the grapevine that Coryo’s tribute, his performer from District 12, had cheated death and managed to win the Games.

What was he feeling in that moment? Joy? Pride? Rage?

Fear?

As he stepped on the Peacekeeper train heading to District 12, their eyes connected almost instantly, and he swore he could feel the blood splattering onto his hands same as the night in the arena.

He wouldn’t admit it to himself at the time, but he felt his heart falter with relief as he saw Coryo’s familiar face blankly staring back at him, curving into a polite, but empty, smile.

Even after they’d gone and seen Lucy Gray, Coryo’s performer, Sejanus still told himself that he meant something to the boy he’d grown up with. That, if he were caught sneaking away to talk with rebels again, he would come to his aid.

“What are you doing?”

It was a simple enough question, one that someone passing by wouldn’t remember seconds after they’d heard it, but to Sejanus, it plagued his lungs with smoke as he fought the urge to run, turning away from Coryo with an empty jabberjay cage in his hands.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sejanus stated, surprised his voice didn’t raise any octaves.

“I’ve seen you, meeting with some of the Districts, whispering, don’t you think getting three of them killed was enough?”

The violent scene of Coryo shooting down that girl like an animal, and the carnage that followed flashed in his mind, almost drowning out the noise of a jabberjay’s record button being flicked on.

Like a brick through a window.

“So, you’re going to pretend like you haven’t been helping out any kind of rebel group in your free time?” Coryo asked him again, this time, in a harsher tone that was more accusatory than curious.

Sejanus balled his hands resting on the workbench in front of them, turning to his accuser as blood crept its way up his neck.

“You have never been where they are,” he whisper-yelled to the boy beside him as he felt his heart shatter to pieces once more, “we’ve both got it all, so how the hell would we know anything about their side of the story? People are starving as we do patrols, and we can’t so much as look at them without being punished.” He took a step closer to Coryo, to the jabberjay he knew was recording them, “and your girl? That Lucy Gray? Her life can’t be too different from these people we see out here. I’ve seen the way you look at her, the stolen moments, the way you almost beat that Billy Taupe to death because he was harassing her. No Peacekeeper in their right mind would do that out of simple pride for their job, Coriolanus.”

The boy beside him faltered for a moment as his full name slid off of Sejanus’ tongue, replaced with frustration as his thumb hovered over the jabberjay’s recorder controls.

Sejanus left without another word, turning the corner and waiting for the sound he knew he was going to hear.

Crack.

The jabberjay that Coriolanus had tried to use against him was as dead as his heart was.

And now, as he sat in a small cabin far outside the reach of the Capitol, a friend who’d been deemed dead along with him, strumming on her guitar, he opened the box he dragged from his barracks that day.

A faintly crinkled photo of students, both standing proud in their red uniforms, stared back at him. He didn’t know what had become of the boy standing next to him; the one he called Coryo, then Coriolanus, but tears slipped down his cheeks nonetheless. The strumming of the guitar stopped as the bright girl across the fire looked at him with pity, not saying a word.

His fingers tightened around the photo, distorting the two people in it. He couldn’t tell himself that was him, and he couldn’t say the blond next to him chose the Capitol over their friendship. These were two different people, friends, who had only had one another as they’d grown up in a climate that rejected them both.

He dipped the photo into the fire, watching as flames crawled over the only reminder that once, he had a friend, someone who wouldn’t ridicule him for his upbringing or his standing. Someone who, if fate had allowed it, may have held their friendship higher than his greed for power.

Sejanus Plinth hadn’t had many friends when he’d finally grown up. Only a girl sitting across from him, strumming away on her guitar, gently muffling his quiet sobs as he let the photo burn to ash.

34 notes · View notes