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bucks-babe · 10 months ago

Note

I’ve been here before lol. I just had to let you know, your virgin Bucky stories live rent free in my head. I hope one day to see him become… not a virgin 👀 if you feel like writing it of course ❤️

Pairing: Virgin!Bucky x f!reader

Warnings: fluff, smut, loss of virginity, slightly sub Bucky, soft!dom reader, riding, multiple orgasms (both), overstimulation, fingering, p in v, unprotected sex (Don’t do that), copious amounts of cum, like so much, Bucky has a big dick, cumming untouched, cumming in boxers, ball riding (I know, there’s something wrong with me), crying during sex (Bucky this time, not reader lol), crying after sex, aftercare, Bucky is so sweet, taking care of Bucky, washing Bucky’s hair (This is a warning), my limited ass vocabulary (It’s a warning), actual brain rot, no use of Y/N, check tags at the bottom

Word Count: 3.6k

A/N: This has been in the works for so long but I took so damn long to finish it. I would have never guessed that so many of yall would be so invested in this story and Bucky’s journey. This is not the last you will see of these two, don’t worry. I think we should give them each a nickname. Leave a comment on what each of their names should be. Legit just had them call each other baby this entire fic. If I end up giving them nicknames, I’ll go back and put them in for all their stories. Anyway, enjoy!

As you slowly open your eyes, feeling the warmth and comfort of Bucky's embrace, a sense of safety washes over you. His strong arms are wrapped tightly around you. As you turn to face him, you see that Bucky is already awake, his deep blue eyes gazing at you with adoration and love. You can feel the rhythm of his breathing, steady and soothing against your skin. In this moment, nothing else matters except for the love and contentment you feel in each other's arms

"Good morning," he whispers, his voice husky with sleep. The sunlight filters through the window, casting a gentle glow upon his face, accentuating the lines of worry etched there.

With a small smile, you shift closer to him, reveling in the intimacy of the moment. "Good morning," you reply softly, tracing circles on his chest.

Bucky's fingers instinctively tighten around you, as if afraid to let go. "Last night... I didn't mean to let go like that" he admits shyly, his cheeks flushing a rosy hue. "I didn't know I was into that." Bucky felt embarrassed, not being used to letting go and having someone else take care of him. It was such a foreign feeling, yet he loved it, being able to trust someone completely, trusting you more than he does himself. Your heart swells at his vulnerability.

"Oh Bucky, it's okay. I liked it, I liked taking care of you. There's nothing to be ashamed about."

Bucky's eyes soften, relief flooding his features as he takes in your words. "You liked it?" he asks, his voice tinged with both surprise and hope.

A gentle nod escapes you, your fingers continuing their soothing motion on his chest. "Yes, Bucky. I enjoyed every moment of it," you reassure him, your voice filled with sincerity.

He exhales a breath he didn't realize he was holding, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "I've never let myself be vulnerable like that before," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared of losing control."

A tender smile graces your lips as you cup his cheek, caressing it with your thumb. "Bucky, being vulnerable doesn't mean losing control. It means trusting someone enough to let them in, to share yourself completely." Your words carry the weight of understanding and acceptance.

He gazes at you, his blue eyes reflecting a mixture of desire and hesitation. "I don't want to disappoint you, you know? You've been with experienced men before who knew how to pleasure you. I'm not sure if I can do the same for you." The poor thing was terrified of letting you down. He loves you so much, but what if he can’t please you? Would you leave him for someone better? How many people would even want to be with a man who knows almost nothing about pleasing a woman?

Your hand reaches out to cup Bucky's cheek, your thumb brushing across his rough stubble. His skin is warm and soft under your touch. As you sit up, your hand still resting on Bucky's chest, feeling the faster beat of his heart under your palm. His skin is warm and smooth against your fingertips, a reassuring and comforting touch.

"Last night you gave me the most intense orgasm I've ever experienced with a man. Those other men? They think that one trick that worked on one woman will work on every woman. But you, my love? You listened to me and my body, which is more than most men can say."

Your voice softens as you look into Bucky's eyes, seeing the raw emotion and vulnerability that lies within them. "Bucky, I don't want to give you the impression that you're not enough. You were amazing last night, and I’m glad that you trust me enough to share that part of yourself."

His eyes soften, a look of gratitude and relief washing over him. He leans in to kiss your forehead, his hand brushing against your cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of your lips. "Thank you," he whispers, the words feeling like a heavy weight finally lifting off his shoulders. He takes a deep breath, and you can see a newfound confidence and determination in his eyes. "I want to learn, to be better for you. To make you feel the way you felt last night, every time."

A smile tug at the corner of your lips as you lean in to kiss him gently. "I believe in you, Bucky. And I know that you'll learn and grow, just like you did last night. And I’ll be right there to show you how." With a reassuring nod, Bucky pulls you into a deep and passionate kiss, his hands cradling your face. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down your spine.

Slowly, he pulls away from the kiss, leaving behind a trail of electric energy on your lips. "I want to make love to you today," he whispers. "I want to give you everything I have, and show you just how much I care." Your heart swells with love for the man who would give you anything.

“Are you sure, Bucky? We don’t have to do anything that you don’t feel comfortable doing. I’m perfectly fine waiting for you, however long it takes.” You cup his face, staring into his eyes, seeing determination yet anxiety in his eyes. He wants to do this, have you be his first and only, he’s sure of it.

“Yes. I want more, I want everything with you. Last night, making you feel good, it sparked something in me. I want to do it again. Fuck, you looked so sexy when you came.” Just at the thought of the taste of your pussy and the image of you writhing on the bed in pleasure makes his cock throb, filling with blood. The feel of your naked breasts pressed against him is doing nothing to stop it either.

“If you’re sure, baby, we will. You want to follow my lead or experiment by yourself?” The thought of you trusting him enough to let him do whatever he wants to your body makes him whine, bucking his hip into your bare core, the boxers doing little to hinder the feeling on his sensitive dick.

“Want to follow you, please.” As you take the covers of the pair of you, Bucky’s eyes go right to your tits, hands moving on their own accord to cup them. You’re proud that he was comfortable enough to touch you without hesitancy.

You roll onto your back, Bucky following without a second thought, hands still on you, Bucky sits on his knees, admiring the view of your spread pussy. “I want you to finger me. You remember how, baby?” Of course Bucky remembers how, he remembers how much it made you moan and wiggle on the bed, how you were clenching on them when you came, how fucking tight you got. Bucky nods, right hand moving to your pussy. He needs to use his right hand, needs to feel how wet and tight you are.

Thumb moving to your slit, he gathers the wetness that has been pooling there since you felt his hard cock through his boxers and drags it up to your clit, rubbing it just the way you taught him, the small gasp that leaves your lips lets him know he’s doing it right. His eyes can’t leave your pussy, memorized by the wetness leaving it. He trails his middle and ring finger down and slowly enters you, cock somehow getting even harder at your feel.

His metal hand comes down to rub your clit as his fingers speed up, wanting you to cum so fucking bad. “Just like that, baby. You’re doing so fucking well. Making me feel so good.” Bucky can feel his heavy balls pulling up, cum about to burst from his cock, hips thrusting in the air, meeting nothing. Heat creeps up his cheeks, he knows he’s going to cum before you without even touching anything. He wants so fucking bad to jerk his cock, coaxing his huge load out, but he can’t leave your pussy.

You clench tights around him, your orgasm building up as well. Bucky can’t handle it, the way your head hits the pillows, eyes closed in pleasure, moans getting higher in pitch. Within seconds, Bucky’s cock bursts, cum pouring from his tip, immediately soaking the front of his boxers, leaking down until it lands on the bed, his moans louder than yours. At the sound of his pleasure you cum, clit twitching under his fingers, waves upon waves passing through you.

As you come down from your orgasm, you realize that Bucky is still cumming. “Baby, why won’t it stoppp, fuckk, please, feels so fucking good, shitt, please.”At his words the last of him cum dribbles out. The sight of his flushed cheeks and the soaking wet boxers almost makes you cum again. Sitting up, you push Bucky off the bed until he stands, taking off his underwear and pulling him back onto the bed, laying him down.

“You still want to do anything else, baby?” You desperately want to have his cock inside of you, have him cumming that much in your pussy, letting it leak out all over his balls down to the bed, but if he doesn’t want to go any further you’ll stop, no questions asked.

“Oh fuck yes! Want you to ride me please.” The whole of his sentence comes out as a moan, cock still sensitive and hard, ready for you to take it however you please. Straddling him, you grab him lining him up with your pussy. You look at him and at his nod, you start to sit on him. As soon as the tip breaches you, he cums, and he cums hard. “OH SHIT! FUCK, YES! FUCK I’M CUMMING!” He’s practically screaming, but he can’t find it in himself to care, the most intense orgasm of his life coursing through him.

Hands flying to your hips, he pulls you all the way down, bucking into you with so much force you have to grab the headboard. “ OH FUCKING SHIT! DON’T FUCKING STOP! DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!” It’s not like you could even if you tried, only option to take his assault, and fuck if it doesn’t feel amazing. Your moans almost match his in volume, pussy still trying to adjust to the size of him, balls slapping against your ass. After a few seconds, you already feel his cum being forced out of you to make room for his cock. His cum now all over both of your sexes, his balls, your ass, and the bed.

His orgasm lasts minutes, the amount of cum leaving his cock never slowing down, hips never stop slamming into yours. During his orgasm, you cum too, the sight was so hot you couldn’t help yourself. When your pussy was clenching around him so tight he somehow got louder. Eventually, he orgasm abated and his hips stopped, laying limb on the bed.

Shame washed over him, at how much he lost himself to his orgasm, how rough he was with you. “I’m so sorry, baby. Please tell me you’re okay. Please tell me I didn’t hurt you.”

“Fuck, Bucky, that was the hottest thing I’ve ever fucking seen.” Bucky’s eyes widen, not expecting you to be so turned on by his orgasm. His cock was still rock hard inside of you, giving you an idea. “What position do you want to do next?” Bucky almost cums again at those words, he knows what he wants, but is almost embarrassed to ask. However, his cock is thinking for him, washing away his inhibitions.

“Can you ride me?” You just smile and start to pick up your hips but he stops you. “From the back.” You throb at that. He wants to watch your ass bounce on him.

You pull off, hissing at the empty feeling and turn around. You grab his cum soaked balls and you feel them twitch in your palm. Pulling them up you turn your head to Bucky. “Do me a favor and close your legs for me.” He doesn’t ask a single question and does so immediately. You let his balls fall on top of his legs and put his cock right back in, not waiting a second to start bouncing, grinding your clit on his slick balls at the end of every bounce.

“Oh, fuck. How does your ass move like that, shit. Looks so sexy.” His hands ghost over your cheeks, not knowing what to do with the sight in front of him.

“Smack my ass, baby.” He groans, and lays a light slap to your right cheek. “Harder, Bucky. Leave your mark on me.” His Oh shit is ignored as he slaps you a little harder, still not hard enough, cock pulsing at the sight of your ass bouncing, feeling it move under his hands. “Don’t be a little pussy, baby. Give it a slap like a fucking man.” Maybe it was a little mean, but you needed to feel his hand coming down on you. His near constant moans get louder, clearing enjoying the degradation. The next slap is hard. “Yes, little harder, baby. Fuck! Just like that, keep going. Don’t stop, want your handprints all week.”

He keeps going, smacking you harder each time. His balls rubbing on your clit pull up and he cums once again. This time, though, he pulls out, jerking his cock, cumming all over your ass. “Fucking shit! Wanted me to mark your fucking ass? Well I’m fucking doing it. Cumming so much. Maybe I’ll just stick my dick in your ass and cum in there too.” You don’t know where that came from, but it makes you ride his balls faster, ass jiggling as he continues to cum on it. “That’s so fucking hot, keeping moving that fat ass on me.” You really don’t know where his dirty mouth is coming from but you don’t care because holy hell is it hot.

Seconds later, Bucky can’t take it anymore and shoves his cock back in your pussy, spreading his legs back out and planting them on the bed so he can fuck up into you. With your ass moving so much with his thrusts, his cum is going everywhere. Bucky lands a hard slap to your cheeks, smacking his cum into them, spreading it all around.

Just like before, he cums for minutes, cum flowing out of your pussy. The entire of both of your hips and your ass and the bed is completely drenched with his cum. When he’s done he pulls you off his cock and spins you around so you’re facing him again. “Baby, my cock is still so fucking hard, I don’t know what to do.” You coo at him, setting your hand against his cheek.

“Don’t worry, baby, I got you.” Instead of slipping his cock back into you, you grind against it, with every roll of your hips his sensitive tip rubs your clit. “Does this feel good, baby?”

“Uh huh, so good.” You see his adam's apple bob and his bottom lip wobble. The feral part of his brain that was fucking you earlier is gone, now your sweet boyfriend is left. He’s not even looking at the way his tip pops out between your folds, no, he’s staring right into your eyes. His arms wrap around your waist, pulling you against him, every part of your body touching his in some way.

You rest your forehead against his and meet his gaze, tears spilling over and running down the sides of his face. You gently wipe them away but they keep coming. One of his hands goes in between your bodies pushing his cock back inside its home, your warm walls enveloping every inch, both of you gasping. Bucky can’t decide if he wants to keep going or stop, a twinge of pain biting its way up his cock, but you just feel too good. He can’t leave your pussy, needing to cum one last time. The slow grind of your hips never speeds up, gently fucking him, no, making love to him.

Bucky tries to kiss you but the pleasure you’re giving leaves him putty in your hands. The kiss is sloppy and wet, but one of the best kisses you’ve ever had, feeling the words neither of you can get out at the moment. The hairs at the base of his cock rub your clit, building up your final orgasm, Bucky not long behind, trying to hold out for you.

“You’re okay, baby. Want you to cum for me, not far behind.” Any restraint left in Bucky’s body disappears, burying his face in the crook of your neck as he cums for the last time.

“Fuckkk, baby, love you so much, please, I need you to cum for me. Need it so bad.” The slow roll of his tears before shifts to full on sobs, pleasure too much. You pull yourself off his cock, knowing that it’s now too much for him. “No, no, I need you to cum, please.” Your hand trails down your body, fingers rubbing your clit, the sight of you makes Bucky whine, and pull you down into a kiss, where you cum, moaning into his mouth.

You roll the both of you over, placing Bucky’s head on your chest, lightly scratching his scalp, tracing shapes on his back with your other hand. When his tears subside, Bucky is the first to speak. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

You feel a lump form in your throat. Of course you would always take care of him. There is nothing that you wouldn’t do for him. “I love you so much, Bucky. I could never hurt you, only want to give you the best in life. After all you’ve done for me, it’s the least I could do.” Bucky doesn’t say anything after that, not knowing what to say, not being used to such unbridled love.

A few minutes pass before the amount of cum and sweat surrounding you gets uncomfortable. “Come on, baby, lets get cleaned up.” Bucky whines but complies anyway. “Get the shower started for me? I’ll change the bed.” He nods and heads to the shower. You work as fast as you can to get the sheets off and a fresh set on. Still naked you run to the washroom and throw the soiled sheets in the wash and start it before running back to the bathroom.

Bucky is waiting outside of the shower for you, eyes still red from crying, almost shying away from you. Grabbing his hand you lead him into the hot water. “You did so good for me, Bucky. Made me feel incredible. You know, if that was your first time, I’m going to need help from the gods to handle you when you practice more.” That gets a small smile from him. “Don’t get all bashful on me, big man, after you rocked my world back there.”

“Stop it, baby.” His words hold no heat to them, secretly loving your complements. “You did too, rocked my world, you know? Didn’t know it could feel that good. There isn’t anyone else I would rather do that with.” He’s going to make you cry one of these days, saying all this sweet shit to you, and you know he means every single word of it.

“Yeah? How do you feel? Feel okay? I know that was a lot for you.” He dips his head down when you reach for his shampoo, letting you wash his hair, then grabbing the soap and lathering the wash cloth, running it along his body. At the feeling of your soft hands on his body, taking care of him after he gave himself over to you, Bucky can’t respond, too caught up in your love. “Bucky?” Your hands stop, fearing the worst at his silence.

“Feel so good, baby. I…” Bucky chokes up, tears resurfacing. He doesn’t know why he’s crying. You pull him to you, hugging him until he stops. “Sorry, I don’t know what came over me. I just, you make me feel so safe, I can’t control myself, I just feel, you know?” You know because he makes you feel the same way.

“Yeah, I do, baby, I do.”

“Can I wash you?” After you took care of him, Bucky wants to do the same for you, never wanting you to feel like he was using you. You nod and Bucky takes extra care to get all of his cum off of you, cleaning you up just like you did to him. By the time you’re done in the shower, the water’s cold. Bucky takes a towel and wraps you up first. Before he can reach for his, you take it and dry him off.

“What do you want to do now? We can cuddle, get something to eat, watch a movie, whatever you want.” You know how important aftercare is, especially when Bucky was feeling so vulnerable after his first time.

“Can we just cuddle?” He looks almost scared to ask you for such a simple gesture.

“Of course we can.” Taking your hand, Bucky leads you to the bed, foregoing clothes. You pull the blankets up and let him rest his head on your chest, listening to the beat of your heart and steady breathing. Not too long after you hear his light snoring and know he’s asleep, you following soon after in the arms of the love of your life, excited to experience all of Bucky’s firsts with him, seeing him grow, not only in experience, but also confidence.

#bucky barnes #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky x female reader #bucky x y/n #bucky barnes smut #bucky x you #bucky imagine #bucky smut #sebastian stan x reader #virgin!bucky #Virgin!bucky barnes #Omg this took me so fucking long to finish #thank you for the ask because it gave me the motivation to finish #Sorry to make you guys wait so damn long #Love you all #If you're still reading this drink some water

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klxudykai · 8 months ago

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the ugly part of reality shifting

as great as shifting is, its really fucking draining. like REALLY draining. its nice that people want to show the fun and positive side of shifting and all, but once new shifters (specifically) hit the stage where they're drained and extremely demotivated, they aren't going to know how to deal with these new overwhelming emotions. reality shifting takes a toll on our mental health even if we don't like to admit it. this may not apply to everything, but I know it applies to the majority.

ive been shifting since 2021 (if you saw my post Abt me starting shifting in 2019 that was wrong lmfao mb yall-). and I still haven't shifted. I used to think I'd shift within 4 years but surprise surprise. I haven't. I'm drained and demotivated. I don't completely believe I wont ever shift, but I don't think I can get what I want by manifesting or affirming or doing any of that. I think the universe will just randomly hand it to me. it sounds dumb but that's the weird luck I have. when I don't expect it, I get what I want. but when I try hard and I expect it, nothing happens or I get smth worse. i don't think that even when I put blood,sweat, and tears into this that I'll shift. I've discovered so much shit about myself yet I am still here with no experience of what its like in another reality let alone my dr. never saw my dr once. only in my dreams and my imagination.

im going to be completely honest when I say that shifting is not for the weak. I'm not saying this to get you to quit because shifting is one of the best things that I found. I just want you to know that its not always going to be perfect. you might feel desperate, you might feel homesick, you might feel exhausted mentally. and sometimes you'll make progress but then find another obstacle. quite frankly, fuck the obstacles because that's not the issue. its how you deal with them that really determine how your growth goes. and no I'm not saying it controls if you'll shift or not because it doesn't. but if you're a person that gives up easily, its going to be hard to overcome those blockages. I say that because I myself give up easily. which is ironic because I don't give up when it comes to certain goals I want to accomplish (one of those goals being shifting), but I refuse to get rid of those so called "blockages" and avoid them even though I know what's the problem. I avoid them because I don't know how to fix them and I just have this fear that's telling me I'll fail.

this post probably doesn't make a lot of sense but that's because I'm writing this in the heat of the moment so I'm not doing a lot of thinking, I'm just typing. what I'm saying is don't be that person that avoids the problems. be transparent with yourself because I'm telling you, the more you avoid it, the more drained youre going to become. it might turn into an endless loop where you think about your Dr daily but you have zero energy to shift. and it fucking sucks.

overall, please take breaks whether they're mental or shifting breaks, if you feel like there is an issue with yourself, fix it. this is a hard journey but it will be a lot easier once you're honest and overcome problems that need to be solved.

(disclaimer that this may not apply to everyone, just the people who are going through a rough patch in their journey. this is mainly just my perspective and what I've heard from a friend of mine since our issues seemed pretty similar. and if anyone needs someone to talk to, my DMS are open. I want my blog to be a safe space and that this is a place where not everything is perfect. I love y'all and please take care and don't stress yourselves <33)

also, fuck that toxic positivity shit that just makes mfs more drained. if you feel demotivated address it don't push it away

#shiftblr #reality shifting #black shifters #desired reality #shifters #shifting #shifting realities #shifting blog #shifting community #shifting antis dni #kai realizes

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coquettebratzdoll · 8 months ago

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carrd

MASTER LIST

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅

I see you've made it to my page. Welcome ! This is a quick navigation guide to get to where you need to go. Before I begin, why don't we get to know each other ? I'm sure we'd be great friends ! Careful, there are rules on how things work around here. The journey begins ...

To your left, you'll see all my informative posts. I talk about a lot of topics, and there are many more to come. Take a peek and see if you learn anything new !

Persistence

Myth of subconscious mind

Overconsumption

Manifesting is easy

Vaunts

Struggle

'I remember when...'

Stop trying

Dissonance

How to build self belief

Nothing needs to be done

Abandon logic

Stop scrolling

How to get your desires

Manifesting a celebrity crush

Look what I did !

Feedback loops

Floating man paradox

More to come ...

And to your right, you'll see my random thoughts. Watch me progress as a person and just say random shit on the Internet 🗣🗣🔥🔥

Thoughts abt shiftok

Hot take

Laziness pt 1

Laziness pt 2

Thoughts on affs

What is common misinformation you've seen ?

What is the most main character thing you've scripted ?

How did you get into shifting ?

I'm so good at manifestation 😩😩

Sweet tea (good ending)

Sweet tea ('merica)

We lost the plot 😭

Misogyny and shifting

You aren't special

Now why tf was I insecure 💀💀

Weirdo online

More to come ...

Here is me documenting my journey !

While you're here, why don't you check out my mutals ? I'm sure they have something you're after. Love yall smmmmm

@ningsols -> they're a very cool person in general. got that dark aesthetic goin on. they also make notion templates which is very cool and useful !

@livingmydreamlife5555 -> they combine shifting, loa, and the void (three for one package fr). mostly reblogs but their posts are also informative

@vixilic -> she mostly reblogs but she is an absolute sweetheart to be around. 10/10 bestie material fr

@reiashiftsrealities -> funny person in general. istg there isn't a day that goes by where I am not laughing at smth they wrote. their blog is great for motivation !

@diagyuuuu -> #1 txt fan fr. they mostly do reblogs but they do have some interesting posts

@livingsecret -> they mostly do reblogs but their advice is very helpful. overall a very sweet person !

@astrstqr -> she posts a lot of info about her many drs which you could use as inspiration. a very pink, brats doll, early 2000s sorta aesthetic that I vibe with

@multiversal-wanderings -> she mostly does reblogs. she definitely has this serene vibe around her that's nice to interact with

@xstrawberryshiftsx -> definition of pookie fr. so sweet and energetic. very interactive too !

@zomb13pup -> newer acc on here. she does some reblogs but her posts are really informative

Join my simps !

Looks like we've reached the end. Any questions ? Check here to see if they have been answered (or if you question is on the list). If not, feel free to ask ! Be mindful of the rules though.

Before you go, don't forget to follow ! I appreciate it :)

#reality shifting #shifters #shiftblr #shifting community #shifting #shifting antis dni #shift #reality shift #shifting blog

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lizzieislife94x · 1 year ago

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My New Boss (e.o)

Requested <3 LizziexFem Reader GxG Legal age gap 🤭 y/n is 22 lizzie is 34

Did ya miss me 😏😏 sorry for not updating haha had a shitty few weeks I'm currently hungover so fricking bad so thought I'd give yall a one shot gonna try and update a few so send me requests please I go on holiday in 10 daya so gonna try and update a few before then ✌🏻

Y/ns POV:

I look over to my roommate June who has a huge smirk on her face "what it's 7am why are you smirking at me" I say rolling my eyes as I grab my cup of coffee "someone's looking all cute and sexy for her boss" I don't even need to look at her I can hear her smirk "no, no" i start as I look down at my outfit a simple cute shirt with a shortish skirt and some simple black heels "this is just smart work clothes" I huff as she laughs "yeah yeah I've seen your boss and that is one hot milf" I frown "she doesn't have kids dickhead" she walks towards me placing her hands on my shoulders "maybe not but she's 34 and you're 22 she's 12 years older" I pull away and put my coffee cup in the dishwasher "I don't like her like that" I lie to myself and my roommate "I just admire her and somewhat look up to her she's always been nice to me that's it" I say as I make my way to the front door "now I gotta go or I'll be late" with that I quickly make my way to my car to start the short journey to work.

As I walk in and swipe my card I smile and greet the reception workers "morning ladies" I say with a smile as I make my way up towards my bosses office my heart beating a little faster as I stop and knock "come in" I hear her loud but sweet voice as I make my way inside "good morning miss olsen" I swear as she looks up her face lights up "well good morning y/n you look great today" she smiles as she places her pen down giving me her full attention "uh thank you, you too miss olsen" I blush playing with my fingers "that skirt is gonna have alot of eyes on you y/n" she speaks with a tone to her voice maybe jealousy no why would she be I clear my throat and straighten my skirt "I uh I'm sorry I didn't think it would be inappropriate miss olsen ill stick to pants" I say feeling my cheeks burn as I look into her eyes she has her bottom lip captured in her teeth "I think you should stick to the skirts you look extremely sexy" I feel my heart racing at her words "why don't you go grab us both a coffee and then ill give you work for the day not sure what needs done at the moment" I nod and turn to rush to the kitchen to pour 2 cups of coffee making my way back as quickly as possible "here you go miss olsen" I say as I place her coffee on the table as she gives me her adorable bright smile "please take a seat y/n" I sit as she looks at me "so you've been here 2 months now how are you finding it" she asks as she takes a sip of her coffee what sounds like a moan leaving her lips "I've absolutely loved it everyone is so friendly and made me feel so welcome, I have a great boss and great co workers what more can a girl want in a job" I smile as I hold my coffee in both in hands "that's great I'm glad you're loving it im hoping you stick around you're the best assistant/worker I've had working by in a long time you get the work done properly" I can't help smile like a fool as she praises me "oh I am indeed loving it and the people are great a few of the girls around the office invited me to a night out on Friday so I'm glad to be included" she frowns slightly as she tilts her head "a night out huh with drinking and stuff" she asks taking me by surprise as I nod sipping my coffee "well maybe I'll join you ladies" I almost chock on my coffee as my eyes widen, no fuck I can't have her near me or see me when I'm drunk what if I make a move or day something stupid and loose my job fuck "hey y/n where did you go, that wouldn't be a problem would it?" I try to compose myself as I sit straight "oh uh no that won't be a problem you are more than welcome to join us ill find out the details from the girls at lunch and ill let you know when and where" I smile kicking myself inside "great ill look forward to it" she smirks as she says it, fuck why does she look so good "can you take these files and copy them that should take you to lunch" she says as she pushes a pile of files I smile and get to work.

8 hours later:

I sigh slamming myself onto the couch as I get texts from 2 of the girls asking why I invited the boss I quickly inform them it was an accident as I throw my phone one the couch "damn was work that bad you look like shit" I hear June say as she plops down beside me I groan and look at her "lizzie was asking how I was finding the job and we where chatting and I told her I have a night out with the girls from work on Friday and now she's coming to I can't drink alcohol around her you know how I am, ill either think fuck it and make a move or I'll tell her something stupid" I rant as she laughs slightly "hey y/n calm down it will be OK here's what to do find a girl, drink and dance and have fun maybe get a kiss or two and you'll be fine if you have your attention on a cute girl you won't do anything stupid" I think for a second and sigh "yeah I guess you're right" i say standing up and I go to my room to get changed into shorts and a vest trying not to think about the night out in days.

AN: I genuinely hope this makes sense I feel it doesn't I wasn't planning on making it 2 parts but it was long before I even had a chance to put smut so the next part will be smut with a cheeky little night out with the boss 🤭 I hope yall are doing amazing! Remember drink water and stay hydrated babes 💗 😘 requestes are open as always, word count 1.2k

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lovebvni · 6 months ago

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Shifting Timeframe? Pick A Pile

Welcome back to my bi-weekly pick a piles!! I was compelled by spirit to do a timeframe of when you will probably shift. Remember, general reading and YOU have the POWER to change it.

Also I've been seeing 325 a lot - 3/25 is actually my birthday SOOO if anyone knows what that means please tell me!

Everything comes with a grain of salt, I will also have a shufflemancy going on in the background.

So, take a deep breath in...

Now out...

What emoji is your third eye telling you to pick?

🥚|🍭|🍬|🍶

pile 1 -- egg

A Month and a half, your day to shine.

Cards: Strength reversed, The Tower, Temperance, Knight of Cups

BESTIE OMG UR SO CLOSE TO SHIFTING WTF IM SO PROUD OF YOU, I KNOW ITS BEEN HARD BECAUSE OF THE TOWER CARD BUT I KNOW YOU'RE PUSHING THROUGH! You may feel vulnerable in some way, like you're not good enough? You are! You are the universe, you are the most powerful being EVER!! You should also take a quick 1-2 day break from shifting - this will also help you shifthere will also be someone coming in *possibly a friend, witch, or spiritual person* helping you out on this journey - they might be the one to give that final push.

Possible Personality Traits: Loving, giving, annoying {To yourself}, confident {On the outside}

Shufflemancy :

"Don't be afraid of heights 'cause we flyin'" - Rebels Call Me Karizma

"The time is upon you to show them what you can do and soon they will know that the day has COMEEE" - The Day - From Boku no Hero Academia, NateWantsToBattle

"I'm a little faded" - Slumber Party - Ashnikko

"It's exactly the same, they say 'why do you dress that way?' 'why do you act that way?' 'why aren't you just like me?" - Fire Drill - Melanie Martinez

Phrases, Numbers, Signs and more: 777, 666, Christmas, Bakugou, short tempered, Denki, Shinsou, shy, "You've got a friend in me", "Movie night!!", "Get in loser, we're going to the mall", "So you're obsessed?" Capricorn, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Taurus.

pile 2 -- lollipop

Within the next 48 hours, your dreams will come true.

(2 days to a week, actually)

Cards : 9 of Pentacles reversed, King of Pentacles reversed, 3 of Wands, The Fool reversed

OKAY FIRST OF ALL HOW LONG HAVE YALL BEEN SHIFTING I FEEL LIKE UR JUST A VERY SPIRITUAL PERSON!! But I feel like to get to that point you have to be less dependent on the things outside around you, and more on yourself. YOU'RE the one who can shift, the signs mean NOTHING if you don't take action. Do you abuse your power to shift in one way or another? Like start denying it exists JUST so The Universe will let you shift? Approach shifting like a timid animal in your backyard that's hurt. But yes, you definitely are shifting within the week. Your child-like wonder inspires me btw

but keep your hopes up, you need more faith and hope that you will shift!

Possible Personality Traits: Softie on the inside, kind of shy?, risk taker, lover of music, goofy

Shufflemancy:

"Stupid boy think that I need him, I go cold like change the seasons, I go red hot like a demon, I go ghost for no damn reason, stupid boy think that I need him, stupid boy think that I need him." - Stupid - Ashinikko

"I'm not your friend, or anything damn, you think that you're the man, I think therefore I am" - Therefore I am - Billie Eilish

"You've got troubles, I've got em too, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you." - You've Got A Friend In Me - Cavetown

"We bark alot" - GOODMORNINGTOKYO! - TOKYO'S REVENGE

"We can fill it up with grass and all the things that make it warm. When you leave to go fly across the sea, I'll be waiting here with Junior and the flowers that we've grown." - Things That Make It Warm - Cavetown

"We might hotwire this old car to drive" - Everything Is Temporary (Sticks and Stones) - Cavetown

"Look like I'm going for a swim" - Chun-Li Nicki Minaj

Phrases, Numbers, Signs and more: Denki Kaminari, "I'm failing all my classes omg", 444, "Hey, a frown won't get you anywhere - SMILE MORE!", calming music, study sessions, sexually active, dirty-minded, lack of physical affection, "Rough around the edges", Cavetown, Air Signs, any dominant sign tbh, "Have high hopes but low expectation", UA traitor, villian

pile 3 -- candy

44 Days, but It feels like years.

TW: DRUGS, SMOKING, ETC.

Cards : 8 of Pentacles, King of Cups reversed, 6 of Cups, The Hierophant

If you've read any of my other tarot readings you KNOWWW the hierophant makes me feel like I'm being choked, but before you shift you're going to realize something new, something new will come to you I suppose? So it will be a new beginning, then shift, it will probably be a new hobby or a job you like. And, like pile one, you will get good advice from a friend. I know some of you guys are like 'im not attracted to people in this reality' but you might be soon?? it's probably someone you knew in your past life or something. It may just be a friendship though. But the hierophant is just emphasizing what I just said, a good friend is going to give you advice.

Possible Personality Traits: ignored, quiet, lonely, friendly, smart, emotional

Shufflemancy:

"The worlds a little blurry, or maybe it's my eyes." - Ilomilo - Billie Eilish

"Maybe I'm too emotional, or maybe you never cared at alllll" - Good 4 U - Olivia Rodrigo

"I don't smoke, I just like how it smells" - Cigaratte Ahegao - Penelope Scott

Phrases, Numbers, Signs and more: Senpai/teacher, "You sure do cry a lot.", "You shouldn't care so much", watching youtube, hbu?, ignorant accidently, 666, 999, 69, st0ner, dr!nking, first time

pile 4 -- drink

Anywhere from to day to the 29th of this month

Cards : Queen of Wands, The Lovers, Judgement, Page of Cups

CLEARLY YOU'RE SHIFTING FOR SOMEONE WITH THE LOVERS CARD COMING OUT I MEAN SAME BESTIE, you don't know when you will shift, and you def look to higher spirits. Try some shadow work - your inner child needs healing. The universe sees you and how much you have bene struggling and working towards this, and it thanks you deeply. Your hard work is going to pay off soon!

Possible Personality Traits: Disappointed often, violent, gay, dramatic ASF, popular, two face, probably on medication, has been hurt physically, emotionally, or some other way

Shufflemancy :

"She moves on pretty BLOODY QUICK" - Your New Boyfriend - Wilber Soot

Literally any MHA song

"Baby hotline, please hold me close to you!" - Baby Hotline - Jack Stauber

"She said you were a hero, you played the part. But you ruined her in a year, don't act like it was hard. And you swear you didn't know, I wonder why you didn't ask, she was sleeping in your clothes, but now she's got to get to class." - Your Power - Billie Eilish

I hope this pick - a pile resognated! I've been going through a lot this week and I don't know if my accuracy may have failed bc of the stress I'm experiencing but I'm so glad like NOBODY is shifting in a year+( like 2023) bc I know you all work SO HARD to shift.

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tvchi · 1 month ago

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The Rhythm of You

Disclaimers: DO NOT COPY OR REPOST MY WORK. DO NOT TRAIN AI WITH MY WORK.

Warnings: Mature Audiences ONLY: Minors DNI- Profanity, Use of the N word. Pairing: black male x black female Words: 5,419k

A/N: Hey yall hey. Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year to you all. I've been gone for a minute, and now I'm back with the jump off/goons in the club case--- my fault; let me get serious. During the holiday season, I took some intentional time off to be present with family and get some much needed rest. I've been enjoying so many other fanfics, liking and reblogging them for your viewing pleasure, so please check them out. When I got back, work just steamrolled me, and then I found myself reminiscing about the past with friends and fantasizing about this new fic. It just wouldn't leave me alone and I found myself disengaging from Terry's drama to look into an unexpected chapter in Aldis' life (lol). I will be writing part 4 of Veiled Intentions soon don't worry!

Summary: Aldis has been working really hard and had finally finished Season 1 of Cross. I had been a grueling 10 months filming this role and getting into character. Now, he can finally decompress and return to the one thing that means the world to him, his baby girl. Everything was all figured out until he met someone unexpected, someone alluring, someone who will add a much needed song to the soundtrack of his life.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Delicate golden embers arose from the stringed lights hung all over the ceiling. Their glow illuminated the bodies that swayed underneath. The sounds of the speakers blaring the Top 40 hits now transitioned to R&B. The calm electricity throughout the room brought a warm buzz to my chest. It was a sight to behold. Everyone I had grown close to over the past couple of years gathered under this two-story NY loft to celebrate the significant milestone. It made me smile.

I usually enjoy the wrap of all of my work. It gives me time to pause, decompress, reflect on the journey, make a little time to note what I could have done better, and dig deep inside myself to practice the celebration of all of the things I had done right. Taking on this role was a huge undertaking, but I got it right. Really right. I was already getting calls offering me other roles in other limited series. I even got offered a chance to make my directorial debut on a project that I’ve had my eye on for a while.

Knocking back another swig of my drink. I couldn’t help smiling at the thought of going home and hugging my daughter tight. It was a wrap ritual for me. Ever since she was born, I’ve been obsessed with the little extension of myself. The way she looked up at me, face pressed tightly against my chest, asking me all kinds of questions and clinging to every answer. I thought I knew love until I held her.

I downed the last of my drink and started saying my goodbyes. It wasn’t until I had hugged the last person that I heard the commotion coming from the dancefloor. They were playing some song featuring Kehlani, the only voice I recognized at the moment, and it was smooth. Curious, I let my feet guide me to the edge of the formed crowd. I stepped in closer, and that is when I saw …her.

Her skin was a toffee brown, and under the streams of warm light, she glowed. The second thing I noticed was how she seemed to glide around the enclosed circle she maneuvered around. It was almost as if her feet weren’t even hitting the floor. Where her feet went, her hips trailed behind, snaking around, causing her ass to tick and shake precisely as the percussion dropped. She was in perfect sync with the beat. There came a point where she switched her movements to emulate the rhythm of the words the artists’ crooned. She turned around to where I was standing, body still enthralled by the trance of the song, and started mouthing the words.

The way she moved her hands to trace the outline of her hills and valleys enticed something in my carnal nature. My eyes wouldn’t move from her. Her eyes fluttered open and closed, influenced by the song's sentiment. If she were the premise of the music video, this song would win so many awards. I continued watching her intently, and then she suddenly peered up at me, still mouthing the words of the song and moving those perfectly sculpted hips and thighs. She snaked to the right and folded over, allowing the right side of the room a full view of a plump, round ass and the rest of us a delectable side view. Her eyes never left me. It was almost like she was daring me to make my way over to her and dance with her. My feet remained planted where they were, and I just stared, wondering how she would look doing this routine in my bedroom— on my dick.

My thoughts were interrupted by my castmate and newfound brother, Isaiah, coming up to my right. “Incredible,” he said, practically moaning.

“Who is she?”

“I don’t even know. The little intel I was able to pick up from some of the cast mates who were familiar with her was that she’s a choreographer or dancer or something. She came as a plus on.”

The DJ continued to egg her on while transitioning to ‘Can I’ by Kehlani. She started another routine that didn’t seem routine at all. Isaiah and I kept our eyes glued to her every movement. Again, she seemed entranced by the rhythm of the song. She looked like she was… home.

After the song went off and the DJ transitioned to another song, she straightened up and peered around at the small crowd cheering for her. She blushed, waved a vote of thanks, and whispered something to Golden Madison, another of our castmates. I'm not sure how or why, but my feet started moving toward the pair. I could sense that Isaiah wasn’t far behind.

“No, girl, you can’t leave now. You are literally the life of the party, and the night is young!” I overheard Golden saying.

“I agreed to be your plus one on one of my sacred days off to congratulate you and love on you. It’s almost 2 am; I think I’ve done my fair share of ‘plus-oneing’. I need to get to my bed,” the mystery girl said playfully.

“Please, we’ll leave in like another hour or so. I promise,” Golden begged.

“Girl! I have errands to run and other things to do tomorrow. I have to go, but I love you deep! I’m so proud of you!” the girl kissed. Golden pouted and noticed Izzy and I standing there.

“Hey yall,” Golden squeaked. Her friend turned around to see who Golden was speaking to, and our eyes locked for the second time tonight.

“Hey, Goldie,” I said.

“I thought you left already. I know you don’t stay out late much,” she stated.

“Yea, I was on my way out, and then I heard all the commotion coming from the dancefloor and thought I’d see what was going on,” I replied.

“And there was a lot going on,” Izzy chimed, staring suggestively at the girl we both couldn’t take our eyes off of.

“My girl is and has ALWAYS been the truth!”

“Does your girl have a name?”

“Yea, you not gonna introduce us? Rude!”

“Shut up, Izzy. Aldis, Izzy, this is my best friend Amara. Amara, these clowns are the co-stars of the Alex Cross, Alex and Izzy,”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” she shook our hands. Hers were so soft, and her handshake was firm. I held her hand a little longer than customary before letting her go. The absence of the warmth of her hand when I let go of her instantly felt unnatural. Wrong even.

“Goldie, I gotta go. Love you,” Amara said, turning toward Goldie

“Ugh, you’re being so lame!” Goldie let out in frustration.

The DJ started playing ‘Hot’ by Efosa. I watched her close her eyes in loathing. She turned to Goldie and said, “This is my damn song, and I feel like you told him to play this!”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Goldie said, feigning innocence. “If you going then, go!”

Amara lets out a long sigh. The next thing I knew, my right hand was in hers, and she was leading me back onto the dancefloor. She laid it on me. Her hips moved left and right. She planted her ass directly where my dick laid dormant until — now. Looking at the view of her sculpted, exposed lower back up close while she practically whined on my member was mesmerizing. Her hips rotated clockwise then, suddenly with the change of the synths, counterclockwise like she pressed rewind on her previous movement.

She was a force, and I desperately tried to keep up with her while taking her all in. I was pretty sure pre-cum was leaking all in my boxers as I watched her ass ripple up and down as I collided with her. I needed to make her mine, to have the pleasure of being inside her, to learn every twist and turn of that body. By the end of the song, I didn’t care that she was feeling how hard I was at this point. This was all her doing. At the final climax of the song, she threw her head back and tilted to the left to look back at me as she wiggled her ass at warped speed to match the beat. I was gone.

She owned me, and she knew it. When the DJ transitioned, she gave a final bump to my third leg with her ass and rose to her full height. She walked to Goldie and hugged her, followed by a kiss on her cheek. My feet were still planted where they were, missing her warmth and showcasing a hefty hard-on. While walking towards the exit, she glanced at me and flashed a knowing smile. Then she was gone.

“Daaaaaaaaamn, bruh. She left and put the $200 on the dresser, cuz the way she was handling you back there, you definitely got fuck,” he said laughing. He was right, and there was nothing I could do about it. I should’ve ran after her and asked for her information but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. I just felt.

————————————————————————-

“Hey baby, what you doing?” Looking at my greatest accomplishment with pride and joy. According to her teachers, she’s ahead of the class in all her subjects. They’ve been testing her to see whether she can skip classes. It was fascinating watching her in her element.

“I’m building a house,” she answered curtly, zipping around to find another piece to glue on. One thing I loved about babygirl was the fact that she did her own thing. It didn’t bother her that the other girls her age were more preoccupied with tea parties and painting their nails. She liked those things, too, but she also loved working with her hands and playing basketball with the other boys in the neighborhood.

She didn’t let the other kids push her around either. You never knew what you were going to get with her. One day, she demanded to go to school in her “princess gown,” the next day, she would wear a snapback, jeans, and the pair of Jays we got together. Her mom thought she sometimes dressed like me when she missed me the most. That was another subject… her mom.

“Ok, well, I want my room facing the backyard. I don’t wanna hear all that noise from the street. Oh, and make sure you hook me up, too. I want a big-screen TV in there.”

“Imma do your room last cause you ain't say ‘please’! That's rude, Daddy.”

I chuckled. “That’s fair, babygirl. That’s fair. My bad. Please and thank you.”

“Mhmm. Now that your movie is done, how long you staying this time?”

“I’m going be here until I get another role that I wanna do, then it’s the usual. I take the meetings and talk to some people, and if they like me, they’ll tell me when I start.”

“They always like you, Daddy. You’re the best!”

I beamed. “Thank you, baby girl. That means a lot coming from you. They can give me all the awards they want to, but–”

“But if you don’t get one from me, then nothing matters. I know, Daddy. You say that every time.” She smiled, and half rolled her eyes.

“That’s because I mean it!” I exclaimed, tapping her nose with my index finger.

“I know.”

“So now that you got me all to yourself for a while, what you wanna do?”

“Well, Imma finish the house, then maybe later you can make me a burger cause imma be hungry. After that, we can go to the movies. After that, maybe we can go to a basketball game. Eric said ain't no way I’m going to the Knicks game. I told him that my daddy takes me when he’s home, and he called me a liar. So we gotta go to the Knicks game so I can see Karl-Anthony, then we gotta take pictures so he can shut up. After that, I wanna go to the skating rink because Tina and Tasha said we gotta get good by the summer so we can skate outside. Then after that—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I see you got a lot of plans. Tell you what, for today, I’ll leave you to your house and get the burgers ready. We’ll go to the movies later on tonight. Tomorrow, we can go to Home Depot and get some lights and other stuff to hook your house up. How’s that sound?”

“YAAAAAAAY!!! Daddy, how you know I wanted to put some lights in here?!?!”

“Cause you been on the computer watching YouTube videos of mini houses and how to put lights up,” I replied with a smirk.

“You can see that?”

“I can see everything, babygirl. Remember that.” I finished, giving her a peck on the forehead, and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

I worked quickly, seasoning the ground turkey and forming the patties. They were ready in no time. While working on the last batch of seasoned fries, my phone rang.

“Nigga, whatchu doing?” Isaiah blurted.

“Me and babygirl finna eat these burgers. What’s good?” I declared, gazing proudly at the meal I drummed up.

“Oh, so you back? Good,” he asked, referring to my choice to stay another week in LA to decompress before flying back to New York.

“Yea I got back in yesterday.”

“Yea, well, remember lil mama from the wrap party?”

“Who?”

“Nigga, the one you was drooling over. Don’t play like you don’t know who I’m talking about.”

I laughed sheepishly. I couldn’t forget her if I tried. “Whatever. Wussup?”

“Uh huh, anyway, I saw her at one of the studios on Kingston Ave in the Heights.” I marveled at how your friend, who was anxious about riding the subway just last month when he first got here, is rattling off streets in Brooklyn like a pro even though he lives in Harlem. I loved how he was getting comfortable in a place that would always be home.

“And what were you doing in Brooklyn?” I asked curiously.

“Never you mind what I was doing in Brooklyn. Did you hear what I said? Your girl is dancing her fine ass up and down Brooklyn with some brown-skinned Dominican muthafucka! You talmbout ‘what you doing in Brooklyn’? Anyway, I just texted you the address to the dance studio. Make your way over there.”

“Uh huh, leave that Zina girl alone, nigga. You’re married. I ain't gon’ tell you bout that shit no more. Tighten up!” I snapped.

As much as I loved having Isaiah in my city, bending blocks, booking gigs, and getting closer, he’s been losing his way. I’ve always looked up to him in more ways than one. He held so much knowledge and experience. Lately, I’ve noticed him putting off his responsibilities to his house and home. Especially when it came to Zina, a 39-year-old creative director of Epic Records who worked closely with us on the soundtrack of Cross.

She lived in Brooklyn and returned home 2 weeks before we wrapped. Isaiah was supposed to go home and spend time with his wife and two kids. Instead, he bought a brownstone in Harlem and moved some of his things out here. I pressed him about his sudden decision, and he said that he needed some time to think and that Lisa agreed. I knew there was more to the story, but I didn’t press him.

I introduced him to some of my friends and showed him around so that he would get more acclimated. Sometime later, I heard he was running up to Brooklyn to see some girl. I started putting two and two together. When I finally confronted him, he fell silent and told me to let him straighten his shit out, and he would let me do the same with mine. I left him knowing that I disapproved and that if I was asked, I wouldn’t lie to him. Now, I see none of my words struck a chord with him.

“Yea whatever, nigga. Get to that studio.” he said and hung up. I pondered what would be the reason for me to barge into a dance studio with my size and build. I did not want to make it obvious that I was there for her but I needed to see her. I wasn’t sure why.

After getting babygirl fed, we headed to the movies. Wicked was a dope movie. Babygirl and I discussed the different themes and lessons she picked up in the film. This girl was so bright and full of life. I couldn’t believe how perfect she was. Blessed and proud, I couldn’t even begin to cover it. Next morning, we did our morning routine of hygiene, outfit choices, breakfast, and affirmations, and I dropped babygirl off at school.

“Aye, man, you the guy from Underground, right?” I heard a voice say as I entered one of my favorite coffee shops. I turned around to face him.

“Yea, man. How you doing?”

“Oh man, my girl gon flip. She loves you. You dope or whatever. Can I get a pic witchu?”

“Yea man, C’mon”

We took a couple of pictures, and I dapped him up. I told him about Cross, and he said he would spread the word. I reached the counter to order my favorite drink, and my favorite barista was there.

“Oh, shit, everybody. My favorite actor after Denzel is here!” Assata shouted.

“Here you go! You gotta do that every time I come up here? You know I’m tryna be incognegro” I responded, feigning annoyance.

“Shut up. You love my announcements, and I love doing ‘em”

“Whatever, ya pops and Man man here. I wanted to say wussup to them real quick before I start a little bit of work.”

“Al, you just finished working. When you gonna take a minute to breathe? Enjoy that little girl before you jet off.”

“First of all, you in my business. Second, babygirl says ‘hey’ and that the last time she came in here and got a hot chocolate Man Man made it too hot, and she burned her tongue. So I’m here to beat his ass. Next, I did take time to decompress but I got a baby now and like everybody else, I’m tryna make sure everybody eats. Lastly, go get ya Pops!”

“Mhmm. You ain’t gotta jump down my throat. I’m just saying that you can take more than a week and some change to relax and enjoy your accomplishments,” she said, making her way to the back room.

A second later, Pops, aka Mr. Johnson, came from behind. As far as I was concerned, he was part of the family. My family had been coming to his coffee shop and bakery since I was a kid. He looked out for me when my own father was busy working three jobs, and when we didn’t have what we needed for school, he looked out in every way possible. Every time I’m home, I make sure I see him and see if he needs anything. He always declines my help, but I always end up getting my way.

We spoke for a while about what was going on in the neighborhood and how he kept getting incessant calls trying to get him to sell his property. I knew from how he spoke about the neighborhood and this shop that he would never sell. He wasn't going anywhere if I had anything to do with it. He was one of the few black businesses left in the neighborhood and probably the only one that wasn’t drowning in massive debt. I saw to that.

After an hour or so, I excused myself and headed to one of the tables across from the window to start looking at a list of upcoming films and shows that have been greenlit and looking to cast. Then, I took a couple of meetings and started finishing up some work I had been putting off for my side projects. Everybody knows I keep a job. I was always working. At first, it started out as a way to get out of debt and make sure that I was never homeless or destitute again. Then, I kept going because I feared that everything I had could be taken from me at any moment, and I needed something. Then I started making excuses about why I couldn’t sit still. That reminded me I had to check in with my guy Mark for our therapy session I had to reschedule.

When that was completed, I googled the address Isaiah sent me. Google maps street view allowed me to see the inside and outside of the building. It was definitely of a modern design. It also looked like it doubled as a community center for the youth. Going down a rabbit hole, I learned about the studio's founder and watched a couple of interviews about the community center and why it was founded. Then she appeared.

Amara Omena talked about how the center was a refuge for her to explore her talent as a dancer when her parents admonished and banished her from their home when she stood firm in her decision to pursue dancing full-time instead of becoming an engineer. I was transfixed as she spoke and couldn’t peel my eyes from hers. I also wondered what kind of people would force their kids out in the cold because they wanted to go for their dreams.

I thought to babygirl, and how I would be over the moon if she told me that she wanted to dance or be a plumber… shit, she could tell me that she wanted to sell her collection of rocks, and I would find a way for her to make that happen. My heart felt for Amara in more ways than one. Before I knew what was happening, I was on the phone with the center's founder and told them I would be there on Monday. I discussed a couple of other things with them and hung up.

The weekend came and went and babygirl and I went everywhere she could possibly think to go. I even went back to the coffee shop and play-fought Man Man for making babygirl’s hot chocolate too hot. I threatened to whoop his ass again if he burned my baby. Babygirl got a kick outta that. I dropped her off at her mom’s house, hopped on the A express, got off at Hoyt-Schermerhorn, then got on the C and rode that down to Crown and Utica station. As I walked to Kingston Ave, I took in the sights.

There were some new establishments, but I was glad to see that some of the old ones I grew up with were still there. I made a mental note to take babygirl to the Brooklyn Museum. Finally, I arrived at the Kingston Community Center and went inside. I signed in at the front desk and asked the receptionist where I could sit while I waited for Dr. Simmons to meet me.

“I know you, baby. You don’t need to sign in. I already told Dr. Simmons that you were here when I saw you walking up, witcho fine ass. She’s coming down,” the receptionist said, winking at me. I chuckled.

“Thank you ma’am”

“Anything for you, baby. My name is Linda Brentwell, but everybody calls me Ms. Lee. You single?” she asked. I choked, caught off guard. This woman was firmly in her 60s and flirting with me unabashedly.

“That’s enough, Ms. Lee. Thank you,” a voice said from behind her. “Hell,o Mr. Hodge, I’m Dr. Simmons. We spoke over the phone.”

I shook her hand. “Nice to meet yo,u Dr. Simmons”

“Follow me. The kids are down the hall,” she announced.

She told me how grateful she was to receive a call from me and how much it would mean to the kids. She gave me a working itinerary of how the day would go. I spoke with the kids first, signing autographs. They’d watch an episode of Underground, and then I would get a tour of the facility. I chopped it up with the kids and had a blast. I knew babygirl was a riot, but these kids were talented and full of life. They came from all kinds of bullshit out there, and despite everything, they found some semblance of hope and peace at the center.

Its establishments like these mean everything to the community. I made a mental note of everything the kids said about the place and assured them this wouldn’t be the last they saw of me. I took a picture with each of them and then gave them autographs. I’ll tell my assistant to check in with the center and give the kids goodie bags.

A teen named Keith waited for me by the door to give me a tour of the center. I chopped it up with him as we walked around the building. I asked him to deviate from the routine and to show me the dance studio last. He mentioned how a generous donor, a contact from one of the instructors of the dance studio, helped remodel the building, which gave them a lot of space. It was about 6:30pm when we finally made it to the dance studio.

It was on the 4th floor and bathed in a soft, amber sunset that filtered through the tall windows, casting elongated shadows on the polished wooden floor. The air was thick with the scent of fresh wood and a hint of sweat, the lingering evidence of hours of movement—the walls lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. A single barre ran the length of one side, worn smooth by countless hands. At the far end, a stereo system hummed, its speakers poised like silent sentinels.

A bin was riddled with worn ballet shoes, jazz heels, and some tap shoes. Gym bags and jacks piled next to the cubbies found next to the door. The loud thud of landing jumps and shifting feet quickly hit your ears when you opened the door. I looked around until I spotted her. Her hips swayed and shifted to the beat, the familiar sight melting my resolve. The choreographer’s next formation led her to the front, where she twirled, leaped in the air, and landed in a split.

“Damn,” is all that escaped me as I watched her pop her ass in the split and look directly into the mirror. She knew exactly what she was doing, making me wonder what else she knew. “I know. Amara is cold. You see all the dudes we passed getting to the door?” “Yea” “They here to watch her. Every time. They stay on her body,” he said. “Is that right?” “On God.”

That bit of information only strengthened my resolve to make sure that I was the only one “on her body,” as he put it.

“Class. We have a special guest with us today. Everyone say ‘Hello’ to Mr. Aldis Hodge, actor, philanthropist, artist, and watchmaker,” she finished as everyone clapped. I gestured my vote of thanks for their warm welcome.

“Thank you so much for your warm welcome. Wait, hold up. How did you know I made watches and painted them? Let me find out if you've been stalkin a brother,” I joked. The room erupted in laughter. I looked at her, and a small smile crept onto her face. “I was given a great tour. Keith did an excellent job, and we stopped by the studio last to see if I could get some time to learn a few moves real quick.”

“We’d be honored to have you. Here, you can partner with one of our finest, Amara.” “Only if it isn’t a bother,” I posited, looking at her. “No. Not at all,” she said softly. “Alright, y'all all since Mr. Hodge is joining us, we will take it down and practice or choreo to Toni’s ‘You’re Makin’ Me High,’” the instructor, who answered to the name Jamaica, said. She went over the first part of the choreography step by step. It was simple enough, even though I got a couple of chuckles and redirects from Amara. After a couple of individual practices, we all came together and rehearsed them. For someone who only two steps, ya boi was getting it in. I didn’t look out of place. When I got to pull Amara in and dance with her, I felt the same rush I felt two months ago when she took my breath away with the whining of her waist.

Can’t get my mind off you/ Think I might be obsessed/ The very thought of you makes me wanna get undressed/ I wanna be with you in spite of what my heart says/ I guess I want you too bad…

Toni was speaking my exact sentiments through the speakers, which must have shown because once we were done with steps, a round of applause erupted.

“Okay, chemistry!!! Mr. Hodge, how long you gonna be in town because we may need you to perform this with us?” Jamaica asked. Reluctantly I broke eye contact with Amara in order to answer Jamaica. “I can move some things around. Let me know what yall need.” “Oh, don’t tell me that 'cause I’mma hit your line about it too!” “I got you,” I replied, looking back at Amara.

I learned a couple of other things, and by the time the class was over, I had come out of my quarter zip and drenched my beater. I walked over to get a towel.

“Of all the dance studios in Brooklyn, you walk into this one?” I heard a voice beside me say. I removed the towel from my face to look at her. “Aint that something?” She looked at me intently. “You aren’t following me, are you?” “You cute and all, but I don’t need to stalk women to speak to them,” I replied. I lied. She wasn’t cute, she was gorgeous. The way a single bead of sweat curved around her brown slid down her temple and cheek, and curved down her jaw made me want to lick it. While it was a happy coincidence that Isaiah’s cheating ass happened to run into her going into the studio, the rest was all me. I definitely was looking into her and learning all I could about her. She looked at me momentarily, said, “Ok then,” and turned on her heels. I fucked up. I didn’t want to make it seem as though I wasn’t interested at all, but that was the energy it was giving. I had to save the moment.

“But since we are both here and it’s late, is there a place you like to go to grab something to eat?” I asked, hoping this would bring the conversation back to a good place. “The bodega around the corner has bomb sandwiches.” “You wanna walk together?” “You cute and all, but I usually don't go with men places unless I know them.” “So you think I’m cute?” “I think you’re capable of finding a bodega and getting a sandwich.”

I smirked. “You got it. If you change ya mind, that’s where I’ll be headed.” I cleaned myself off, threw on my quarter zip and jacket, and headed down with Keith. After saying goodbye to Keith and the other kids waiting to be picked up, I headed to the bodega she had mentioned. There was a high possibility that I fucked things up back there, but something in me hoped— prayed she would just see it as nerves and come anyway.

When I got to the bodega, I placed my order and got two more orders. I walked around the store and stopped in the back. I pulled out my phone and checked a couple of texts. I got two drinks out of the fridge and returned to the side of the store where they were making the sandwiches. Like clockwork, the store manager came out to inspect the ground. He was orange with long whiskers and a striped tail. If you’re in NY and you don’t see a bodega cat, be suspicious. “Papi, ya order is next," said the Bodega owner. “Thank you.” I went back to check my phone to pass the time. I responded to one email about a potential role and thought about some others. “Three orders? You just knew I was coming, huh!” I heard from behind me. I turned around, and there she stood.

--------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for reading this very elaborate meet-cute and hopefully the start of yet another series that I will finish (lol). I've tagged everyone that I could remember too, but if you're coming across me for the first time and want to be tagged in this fic or any others, please comment and let me know you wanna be tagged!

Tags: @thecapodomme @writers-of-tmblr @melaninpov @spaceslutsworld @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @mymusicbias @the-black-label @master-builder42 @miraculously-dumb-bitch @megamindsecretlair @hopefulromantic1 @tranquilfandomer @thadelightfulone @vivalaorgasm @hotgrlcece @planetblaque @blackgurlnhermoods @andriaharris @theblacklewinsky @kumkaniudaku @lovelyflames @girlbeblogging @toiadeenovels @longpause-awkwardsmile @sweettea-and-honeybutter @sirenmouths @almostelectroniccheesecake @liquorlaughslove @meleekabenjamin @19jammmy @thoseprettywords @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @stellarxfresh @noirelyfe @moooonluvr @kinginwithbreezy-blog @bunniibooooo @sk1121-blog1 @luckydaye777 @hgabdakhtui @ovohanna24 @bratattack209 @greantii @rue0224 @jazziejax @whatdreamsaremadeofbitch @absentmindeddreamer @soft-persephone @dragonfly1207 @strawberrymoon45 @kxngkaykay @nayaesworld @uzumaki-rebellion @wolfiediaries @off-pink @zoey101-2 As always, let me know what you think about this fic. Comment, Reblog, Like, Tell A Friend!

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sailingfireshipz · 2 months ago

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Ok so this is my discourse in response to @stellariders post a while back. Linked at the end.

1. Kelly should have been captain 3-4 seasons ago and I'm tired of them using the excuses of paperwork or being behind a desk because I've seen Van Meter behind a desk & talking about about how backed up they are on cases which is PAPERWORK. When he is in the field, it's after all the "action" that they speak so highly of has already taken place & it's more so like solving a puzzle rather than running into a fire. Atp I'd respect it more if they said Kelly can't be captain because he can't be Stella's commanding officer at the same house.

2. I'm sorry. I love Hermann however I'm struggling with seeing how the hell I'm supposed to take him seriously as captain on a scene or call when they've NEVER shown him in that light. The last time I saw him really fired up regarding a call was the factory fire. Also they haven't shown an ounce of Hermann actually preparing or studying for the exam. So we're supposed to believe that the same Hermann that failed the LT exam how many times passes the captain test on the first try? OK...

3. Mouch doing more has at least been foreshadowed now for a while. The episode in which he saved that kid & Casey talked about the retirement age going up. Also, Mouch has at least been acknowledged by the CFD with a commendation back in S9 & helped out with Paramedicine. We've seen his journey & arc build a little bit more than Hermann, so even if it wasn't for a potential Stella pregnancy on the horizon, I could still rationalize Mouch wanting to do more. We've never seen that same arc for Hermann, so it makes it hard for me to get behind it.

4. The disparity in storytelling amongst the cast is starting to become problematic for me. Stella & Ritter are the main two that stand out to me in this moment, but I'm sure there are more examples. Ritter has been on this show in some capacity since season 7... there is absolutely no reason why he has been treated like a background player all this time & is just now starting to get an inch of more screen time when Carver has had MULTIPLE arcs of the course of his FIRST season & now this one. Hell Novak is in her first season as a series regular & we already know a little bit about her past & what makes her tick. Not even about to start in on Stella because yall already know how I feel about it however what I will say is Stella Kidd deserves more than 1 GOF episode a season & 1 episode where she's fighting for the underdog. All of her other stories are directly or indirectly associated with Kelly/Stellaride/ white men, causing her unnecessary grief.... Casey never had this many damn personnel issues in the 10 years he was on T81. I'll leave it at that.

5. I'd love for Squad 3 to get some new blood. Not saying I want anyone to go anywhere, but I'd love to see Kelly Severide have to navigate teaching & training someone new. Add another man or woman to the crew & let's really see how Kelly's leadership comes through.

Same for Engine 51... like i find it interesting that they gave Ritter up to Truck yet won't commit to Kylie joining Engine full-time. Like outside of Hermann, who the hell else do we now know on engine? No one..

6. I'm confused by how close Kelly & Pascal have gotten in such a short amount of time. Historically, Kelly has always been very reserved when it comes to change, especially change in power dynamics. I also find it interesting that they continue to isolate him for the other members that he's worked alongside for much longer yet have planted this Pascal & Severide relationship dynamic. We've been asking for Kelly & Violet since S11... hell the Kelly & Mouch episode we got in S11 was adorable. I'd take him, Ritter & Carver, yet we're getting him & Pascal who clearly has an issue with Stella, his wife. Feels intentional

7. If they are committed to not actually giving Stella an appropriate backstory, then they should at least commit to strengthening her bonds in the house. They did that really well in earlier seasons, like mentioned about her relationship with Enily Foster. Same can be said with Casey, Otis, Gallo, Boden & Kylie but none of those people outside of Kylie are on the show anymore. Felt like when Stellaride got married, they were like alright no more family dynamics with anyone else except for Kelly & thats so not fair to her character. She mentioned it to Boden that her real family is the house. OK, so let her actually build out more relationships with the people that are there now.

8. I know I'm a vocal Newman critic, but I also like to think I give credit where credit is due. I made a few posts ranting & raving about how S12 for what it was (short, needed to be executed quickly) was a REALLY good season. It's why I was so excited for S13, but we're 8 episodes in & i fear we've lost the plot. Like, i go into these episodes with such high hopes because the meat is THERE yet walk away from some of them wondering wtf was that. Like, I'm almost wondering if S12 was so good for her because it was shorter, so there wasn't much room for filler because it honestly fills like she doesn't know what to do with 22 episodes. Grant it, we have an entire back half of the season to go, so I could be speaking too soon. However, I don't know what to even anticipate for the rest of S13.. like i have concepts & my own personal wants, but I don't have actual faith that it'll come to life because everything she's teased thus far has been so far from expectations.

Damon had so much more potential. As a firefighter, brother, & brother in law. That baby convo could have touched on so much more of Stella's fear & what the actual cause of that dread she spoke about could be coming from. Violet could have actually apologized to Carver & explained her grief/ why that caused her to ice him out. Even if they didn't make up right away, it would have set the groundwork for what they'd work towards if they're actually endgame(sometimes i don't know). Ritter getting blown out of a window could have been dug into a little deeper. Even the blood program that Novak proposed a call linking to why it is so important would have just driven the messaging home.

I saw a tweet a while back that basically said it's not character or plot development if it happens off screen & we never see it. It feels as if recently a lot is playing in the background or off the pages that we're somehow supposed to know is going on without ever seeing or hearing it. I love this show, this cast & think if shows like the Law & Order franchise or Grey's can be on air for decades, then so can Fire. I really hope the back half of S13 kicks it into high gear & starts connecting dots for me because I want to get renewed for 3-5 more seasons! I'm simply not ready to let them go, especially when there's so much left in the tank they just need to have the right pieces in the right places to execute effectively. 😫

As always, thanks for coming to my rant session. Let me know your thoughts & opinions below. I'm always up for a healthy debate or yap session. Check out @stellariders original post here.

#chicago fire #stella kidd #kelly severide #stellaride #jack damon #sam carver #violet & novack #darren ritter #dom pascal #squad 3 #firehouse 51 #hermann #mouch #ramblings of a certified yapper #chicago fire discourse #we listen and we don't judge #well I'm judging #just a little bit #I'm still going to tune in so does it matter

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violeteclipseboaty · 9 months ago

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So I recently went to go watch KOTPOTA again. I wanted to share my thoughts overall on the film, I couldn't properly do it before because I had forgotten some stuff lol

The pacing: at first watch I though it was kinda weird but watching it again I realized it pretty much went straight to the point, if anything I wanted MORE but you know the movie would've been too long but I wouldn't have minded either way. I mean, I've watched the Avatar and Harry Potter movies, so yeah I could've handled that lol

I really like the environment they set up with the eagle clan; their culture, their tradition with the eggs, and their bond with the eagles. I hope we get to see more details in the next movie.

The cinematography was amazing, they really nailed it. The sceneries were outstanding. A lot of that stuff reminded me back to Rise, back when it was filled with human life, now sadly the structures are abandoned and overtaken by nature but look pretty either way. The action scenes omg were so engaging and just done so well.

Let's talk about the main characters:

Noa: Great character. He's curious, smart, brave, and compassionate. I know a lot of people wanted him to be Caesar's descendant but i didnt really care about that. I'm excited where his next journey will take us if they have the chance to make a sequel (please 🙏) I'm pretty sure at the end of the film, Noa now has a new view of the world he lives in and now questioning his entire existence lol

Raka: loved him!! I really like how he truly understood what Caesar stood for. I did notice some things he believed were wrong lol but he's got the spirit and would lighten up the mood after what happened with Noa's clan. He's got a good heart, he sacrificed himself for Mae despite knowing her for a very short amount of time after all. Also I refuse to believe he's dead so there's that also and I hope he comes back to guide both Mae and Noa onto the path for the coexistence of both apes and humans.

Soona: I really wish we could've gotten more scenes with her, but I really like her. She's brave, sweet, and a ride or die for both Noa and Anaya. I hope we get to see her more in the next film

Anaya: yall already know cause I made a seperate post lol but loved him and I wish we had more scenes with him as well! I felt so bad for him when we see him again with Proximus, he's been through enough!

Proximus: he was a great villian and I did not like him, which is good! Not all villians need a sad backstory, this dude was clearly only hungry for power. He was twisting Caesar's words, enslaving other apes, killing humans, and wanted access to technology capable of bringing destruction and chaos. He's smart and knows how to be resourceful. I find it funny that he was talking smack about humans yet his way of thinking and actions are similar to the bad side of humanity. I only wish we could've gotten more scenes with him; he was underused and I thought he would have a much bigger role based on the trailers, but I enjoyed his presence overall.

Mae: I've already made a seperate post about her character and I still sorta feel the same way about her. Rewatching it again, I got to sympathize more with her situation. She's a survivor who clearly grew up and was taught misinformation about apes, but after meeting Raka and bonding with Noa; i truly believe she'll come around and change her mind. I believe in her, and I hope we get to see her again and get more of her backstory to understand her better.

The movie was great. The plot, visuals, and acting were so well done. I took about 5 years for them to work on this, and it SHOWS. Their dedication shows that when enough time is given; movies that involve CGI can be done properly. I'm sick of projects being crunched and the visuals ending up looking like 💩 because the teams/artists aren't appreciated enough. I definitely recommend watching at least twice, and I pray for a sequel.

#kingdom of the planet of the apes #planet of the apes #pota reboot #pota #kotpota #mae #nova #pota mae #noa #pota noa #anaya #soona #proximus caesar #kotpota spoilers #pota spoilers #reboot pota

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especiallythewomenandthechildren · 3 months ago

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As If Destiny (part sixteen)🌹

Part 15🌹

A/N: well hello lovely! your friendly neighborhood force of chaos has crawled out of her hole to provide whatever this is. have a wonderful day! (yall pls don't kill me for taking forever college apps killed me) lemme know your thoughts!

This was meant to be pure fluff but I dont think I'm capable of that

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This should have been the part where you woke up. Everything was too perfect.

You were consumed by love (and Cory's lips). Reality was beyond your deepest desires. Everything you had desperately needed was right beneath your clasped hands as you refused to part ways with the boy you love.

You were so lost in your love-fueled haze that you were completely unaware of the world around you. Coriolanus would say he felt the same way, except for the constant ringing of a familiar voice.

"Purple. She is turning purple."

He grabbed your jaw a slight bit harsher, pulling you in for an even deeper angle to drown out the commentary.

"I'm saying 20 seconds till she gets asphyxia."

Hands parted your strands of hair as Coryo couldn't decide on a location. He traced you, as all he wanted was to be consumed by you entirely.

"Probably could hide the body in 5 minutes. He's very crafty, you know."

Coriolanus let go of you so suddenly that you stumbled forward. He ensured you were stable by wrapping an arm around your waist as he faced the ever-ominous smirk of Arachne.

"Would you mind?"

With the fakest gasp of offense, Arachne put a hand to her heart.

"Me? I'm simply trying to enjoy the woods when I see a poor girl's tongue being inhaled!"

Your eyes squinted as you let out a confused scoff.

"You were watching?!"

"I'm still confused about how you survived the arena with your lack of awareness."

"Hey!"

Much to your satisfaction, you now had a defense against Arachne's light-hearted taunts. Coriolanus was sharper in his warning, along with the added tightness of his grip on you. Sejanus was more frank and understandably sensitive about the topic. You all were. Even the taunting Arachne.

You had been so astounded by Coryo that you completely overlooked the boy you considered a brother.

"Sej!"

Somehow freeing yourself from Coryo’s grip, you ran straight into the brunette's arms and latched onto him like a monkey. He stumbled back a little, but the extra muscle he had put on during Peacekeeper training kept you both up.

"I've missed you so much."

Your voice was wobbly as you processed that everything around you was real. You snuggled into his neck, embracing the comfort of his simple presence.

Sejanus asked the question plaguing his mind with a hushed voice, so fragile in its volume, fearing it might shatter the peace of the moment.

"You don't hate me?"

Tears of joy turned into heartbreak. Slowly backing away, you made sure Sejanus was looking at you.

"Hate you?"

It was his turn for tears, though sobbing would be a more accurate description. Trembles journeyed through Sejanus’s fitter body as all the awful memories of that night replayed endlessly.

"I caused you so much pain. I hurt you so much. It was all my fault!"

His deep brown eyes became an ocean of self-loathing. You looked so alive, and it could have all been taken away due to his recklessness. Fragments of your heart were being pounded to shreds by the guilt weighing on Sejanus’s shoulders. You had seen him feel guilty for his privilege before, but this was different. This was festering devastation.

“Sejanus, look at me.”

It took all his respect for you to gather the strength to meet your sympathetic eyes—sympathy he knew he didn’t deserve.

“Did you learn your lesson?” You gave a teasing smile and a light laugh as he huffed in confirmation. “You have such a kind heart. It’s a light in our dark world. Just don’t let it blind you, m’kay?”

He flashed you a smile as you gave him yet another hug. Life for you had been a never-ending cascade of chaos and heartbreak, and you had missed these simple moments with Sejanus. Moments from a time before you dug up past and fresh graves. Although, going back that far would mean leaving behind the now most important person in your life, who reminded you of his presence as he came up behind you.

Coryo wrapped his arm around you again the second you pulled away from Sejanus.

“Okay, your time slot is over. It’s my turn.”

“Once again.” A very smooth cover-up was attempted by Arachne, as a small coughing fit naturally followed as Coryo’s vibrant baby blues rolled at her antics. You looked up at Coryo and finally took in his appearance. His buzzed hair brought out his electric eye shade even more, and his tall frame had filled out with good meals and training. His look had you utterly speechless as you ran your fingers over the now buzzed-off section where his curls used to be. Your silent response to his new appearance made a foreign snake of insecurity slither its way into his mind.

“That bad?” Coryo’s voice was quiet enough for only you to hear, leaving your two friends straining to listen. Your eyes shot up to the ones you thought about every night and morning. You searched for the joke, but he was serious. And so were you when you slapped his arm.

“Have you grown blind? I loved your curls, but that doesn’t mean I don’t really like this too.”

Coryo’s smirk intensified as you continued, especially when your hands reached the nape of his neck. With the look in his eyes, even in the midnight darkness, Arachne and Sejanus felt like they were about to see something they did not want to see.

“I think if we stay five minutes longer, we’ll finally know if Coryo’s carpet matches the drapes.”

Your Coryo-filled trance was effectively broken by Sejanus’s (surprising) comment as mortification painted your cheeks rouge. The ever-proper Coriolanus, however, had no real care as he just leveled his friend with a flat look. On the other hand, the snickers and cackles between Sejanus and Arachne were abundant. Almost as if they were friends. A disgusting enough concept to both of them as Sejanus’s prior comment.

“You do know the both of you are acting like friends, right?”

Dawning smug smiles, you and Coriolanus watched as the other two argued and shouted against any possibility—no, institution—of friendship. The show was oh so entertaining and would have likely lasted until sunrise, but you had to cut it short. With the fight back at the Hob, all Capital personnel, of which you all were, needed to be inside the barracks unless yearning for punishment. Coriolanus knew you were right but didn’t want to let go of you, even if just for a few hours. Arm clutching to his, you laid your head upon his shoulder as the branches crunched beneath your synchronous feet. The large campus of the barracks came into view as your grip tightened in yearning.

“Dawn?”

Coriolanus sent an all-too-consuming smirk.

“Dawn.”

His smirk grew immensely, but you never saw it; you felt it on your lips as he gave a sweet kiss that was supposed to be short. Although, you didn’t part, and Coryo couldn’t bring himself to either. Once again, it felt like a dream overtook your reality. And yet again, that rosy view was interrupted by an impatient Arachne.

“Innocent bystanders present.”

Coriolanus didn’t miss a beat as his lips traveled downward to your neck, and the teasing smirk spread impossibly further.

“Find your own woods.”

Your laugh was airy from the ticklish feeling of Cory's lips as you (unfortunately) had to push him away. As much as you yearned to stay, you needed to get inside urgently. Not risking any further stalling, you gave a peck to Cory's cheek and whispered about dawn once more while running to your side of the large campus with Arachne in tow.

The blonde stood there with a shining grin when Sejanus’s strong hand clapped him on the back. “Maybe Twelve isn’t too bad.”

Even out of sight, Coriolanus was enamored with your lingering presence.

“No. Not too bad at all.”

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Arachne and Sejanus were able to sleep soundly, even while knowing their respective bunkmates wouldn’t be there when they woke up. Instead, you and Coriolanus would finally get a rare moment of peace.

You hadn’t gotten a second of sleep, your eyes blurring with concentration as you watched the horizon. As soon as the deep midnight sky began to lighten the slightest shade, you were already out the door. The hallways you usually trudged through echoed with the sound of your near-running steps. The district air had never felt so good against your skin. The birds had never sounded so inviting. Coriolanus Snow had never been more perfect.

Of course, Mr. Perfect had already been waiting for you. Like you, he’d spent the few hours between your meetings cursing the slowness of the night. Now you were begging for time to pause, just for you and Coryo. As soon as you saw him leaning against a flourishing, expansive tree, you ran straight into his arms—arms that picked you up and spun you around as your glee harmonized with the birds chirping above.

He set you down and stared at your radiant face. It had been too long since he’d seen it outside of his dreams. Coryo cupped your face and lovingly traced your cheekbones.

“You are far too beautiful for the districts.”

You scoffed gently and bashfully looked away. Would there ever be a time when he wouldn’t make you so flustered? He gently tilted your chin to lock eyes with his ever-magnetic gaze.

“I’m being serious.”

“Oh, I know, pretty boy.”

The nickname caused just enough pause for you to smoothly escape his grasp. Walking ahead, you looked back with a gleam of mischief in your eyes. Coriolanus had had so many daydreams of you and those eyes that it was hard to remember if everything around him was real. Then again, it didn’t really matter. Coriolanus would always follow you.

He jogged lightly to catch up to your flowing stride. “Trying to get rid of me already?” Coryo teased as his arm settled comfortably across your shoulders.

You started to worry about your cardiovascular health with the number of flips your heart was doing. However, that effortless rhythm of you and Coriolanus felt as natural as breathing.

“Oh please, I’ve been trying to get close to you since I was eleven.”

His shiny white teeth outshone the little rays of sunlight starting to break through the winding branches.

“So, you admit you’ve been obsessed with me.”

“Good to know you managed to pack your ego with you.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Arachne too much, you know that?”

“Well, maybe don’t leave me alone.”

“Oh, I’m not planning on it.”

A sweet smile was mirrored on both your faces. After weeks of tension and tragedy, the sereness of this moment was not lost on you. As much as you missed bantering with Coryo, you missed his simple presence more. No words needed to be said as his presence lifted the weight of the world from your crumbling shoulders.

The two of you walked aimlessly, but within minutes, you realized where your feet had led you. Serenity bled into unease. Coryo felt your muscles tense beneath his arm and noticed your nervous tick. Usually, the ring of Snow brought you comfort, yet this time it was the golden ring of Embridge, twirling between your fingers. Coriolanus, ever observant, immediately picked up on your tension and squeezed your shoulder in silent, effective communication. In response, you nestled closer to him as the gravity of reality pulled you further from the bliss you so seldom got to embrace.

“Do you know why we’re in Twelve?”

“A bastard.” You lifted your head at the uncharacteristically crass language Coriolanus used. He stared straight ahead, jaw clenched. Gently, you ran your fingertips along his chiseled jaw, making his teeth unclench and his face soften. Reality was bound to come out soon enough, so you might as well swallow the heavy truth and spit it out for Coryo.

“Well, yes, he does have a hand in this. But there’s a reason he chose this district specifically.”

The branches around you shifted into twisted, sinister shapes, providing no comfort. That strange shiver, which was becoming too familiar, slithered through your bones. In record time, Coriolanus put his light Peacekeeper jacket over your shoulders. The air of domesticity was once again shattered by the shadows of the mocking trees.

Coryo waited patiently for you to continue, but it took you a moment to steady your churning stomach. The blonde used the silence to gently prod you forward.

“I assume it’s his usual spite and dramatics.” You might have laughed lightly at his jab, but all you could do was swallow your unease as the macabre symbol of retaliation loomed ahead. Outstretched branches, as if reaching for their newest victim, lacked leaves and were scorched in the outline of a man. The tree was clearly meant to send shivers down spines—not just yours. The scratches from its past victims were still deeply engraved into its trunk.

Coryo’s sapphire eyes froze in horror at the grotesque message for the Capitol. You swallowed the bile rising in your throat and accepted the unacceptable truth.

“My uncle is alive, Coryo.”

In an instant, his blue eyes snapped to your face, his fingers cold as they tilted your chin for eye contact and answers.

“Highbottom left a cryptic letter in my file. I—I followed the clues, and somehow, I found him! He isn’t the same man; he’s on some kind of hallucinogenic substance and—”

Coriolanus’s chest muffled your panicked ramble. Melting in his arms, the two of you stood together as the morning colors—orange, pink, and purple—painted the sky. Soon, the world you both had to return to would be waking up, but it could wait. Now was the time to finally let your beloved Coryo help you, as only he could.

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Blackouts. An experience that was dreadful, malicious, and all too common for Alreic Vaun. Or rather, it had been, though in the past few years, they’d become less frequent. Those wretched names from the past stopped seeping into his mind. No more visions. No more reliance on the sultry purple poison. He’d begun to know Otto—Kane—as more than just the kid who’d pulled his unconscious body from the streams. And even that little girl, whose name and face were often blurred beyond recognition. Little Rowan. His Rowan.

He’d gone six straight months without a single blackout, hallucination, or injection. Alreic was even considering getting a job in the mines to help support the small family that had inexplicably appeared under his roof. The young man, eerily reminiscent of his late nephew, didn’t deserve the life he’d endured. Nor did the little girl, whose rambunctiousness reminded him of his sweet, clever niece, Y/N.

For six blissful months, he’d felt a fragile sense of optimism—until it shattered. Lucy Gray Baird and Jessup Diggs were to be District Twelve’s tributes. Lambs to the slaughter. Jessup and Lucy Gray weren’t just innocent children; they were children who had spent time in his shambles of a cabin, who’d helped him up and taught him new recipes. Lucy Gray, with her sweet songs swirling around the living room, and Rowan’s laughter echoing in the clearing at Jessup’s antics. They were Kane’s closest friends and Rowan’s role models ; people he could rely on to be there for the children he’d taken in, even when he couldn’t.

As much as Alreic’s veins yearned painfully for the sweet relief of the mauve substance’s sting, he couldn’t indulge. Six months of sobriety could never make up for years of abandonment and hallucinations, but maybe staying clean could. Kane and Rowan needed him. It’s what his sisters would have wanted. For the first time in years, Alreic’s thoughts of family were not immediately drowned out by the electrifying lure of inebriation. Sober and somber, he resolved to bear the pain of loss and be a stable pillar of support. To be the man he once was, even if it was a decade too late.

Alreic should have known that fate was never kind to him.

Two days after the Reaping, a black envelope with green lettering arrived, addressed to him. Fine, smooth, elegant handwriting. The old routine was set to return. With every silken envelope came a bulging cylinder hidden inside. He didn’t need to know the sender; it was clear this was a Capitol message.

After the day of your sudden appearance in the cabin, Kane had gone out with his bow to find dinner and to burn off his fuming rage. Rowan stayed close to Maude Ivory’s side, the two clinging together in shared fear. Alreic hurried to his shabby excuse of a bedroom and tore the envelope open. He should have waited, taken a moment to think about what it might contain. It’s what the old him would have done. But no matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t that man anymore. The evidence lay in the alluring purple bubbles gliding across the syringe’s liquid. Alreic had been clean for six months, five days, and four hours. Had been.

Instantly, the cold surface of the glass syringe settled perfectly in his cracked fingers. His veins stood out, ready. It had taken him ten years to reach six months of recovery. Months of resisting the enticing green words of persuasion and guilt. And yet all his progress was now darkened by the familiar amethyst that flowed through his veins and those infamous Enbridge eyes.

Slipping away into the endless void of guilt, he left the letter unread.

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Bright sunlight lit up the lush greenery of the Capitol barracks. Several Peacekeepers were out jogging and working out in the wide clearing at the center of the campus. Familiar researchers made their way past you and Coryo as they began their work early. Luckily, both of you had already gotten ready before your early morning escapade, so all that was left to do was to make sure all traces of your tears were gone.

“Are you completely sure?”

For the hundredth time in the past hour, Coryo assured you that your tear streaks and hives had disappeared. He usually added a compliment to sweeten the deal, yet you kept rubbing the skin under your eyes.

“If you keep rubbing, that’s what’s going to make you look like you cried.”

You huffed at his rationality, filling your breakfast tray with items that looked semi-edible. The cafeteria was lively but not cramped, with an atmosphere of ease—a stark contrast to the rigid cafeteria of the Capitol academy. Arachne and Sejanus were already seated at a small table in the back left corner by some white windows. Sitting down, you should have felt the strangeness of the situation. You and Arachne sat across from each other, Coriolanus to your right and Sejanus to Arachne’s. The academy’s top students and future leaders, all here in poverty-stricken District Twelve. And yet, it all felt like it fit.

“I assume you told him?” Arachne asked. You nodded confidently. She returned the nod, confirming she had done the same with Sejanus. Now you were all up to speed on the chaos that had further invaded your lives.

Sejanus offered his condolences, which you accepted with a grateful smile—grateful for friends who didn’t press for more details. The conversation drifted to each of your new positions. You and Arachne filled in the boys on your explorations in the woods, earning laughs and playful comments from Sejanus at the image of Arachne handling the birds. He was promptly met with a smack from the back of a metal spoon. The two boys were to take on various roles, from guards to execution assistants to aides for the researchers. You were enjoying the friendly bickering between Sejanus and Arachne when a voice cut through.

“Hey, Y/N! Just wanted to make sure you were okay after last night?”

The boyish smile of Cassian was sweet—but Arachne and Coriolanus found it utterly disgusting. Meanwhile, Sejanus tried to pinpoint why he felt a strange familiarity.

“She’s just peachy, but my toes aren’t. Learn how to dance, Slate.”

Cassian was clearly holding back his irritation at the redhead but kept his smile steady. “Well, I wasn’t exactly prepared to go dancing.”

He should have known better than to try arguing with Arachne. “No? I swear I remember you asking Y/N for a dance.”

Your cheeks flushed as Cassian looked to you for help, then glanced at Coryo in surprise. Though Coryo knew you well enough to understand that this infatuation was entirely one-sided, on the part of this, in his eyes, rather pathetic fool. Meanwhile, Sejanus was still in his own world, trying to figure out why this random Peacekeeper felt so familiar.

“You don’t like me, yet you still asked me for a dance?” the hazel-eyed boy grumbled at Arachne’s triumphant smirk. She took a sip of her water, letting the air settle in her favor.

“What can I say? I like stepping on people’s toes.” Coryo really thought this guy would have taken the hint by now. For once, Coryo was wrong. Cassian crouched down to meet your eyes, getting far too close for Coriolanus’s comfort.

In a whisper, Cassian finally asked the question he’d come to ask in the first place. “Hey, Y/N, later this afternoon, some Peacekeepers are supposed to check up on the researchers’ progress with catching those weird hybrid birds. I volunteered and was hoping I could check in with you?”

With every word he spoke, Arachne swore he got closer to you. Instinctively, you turned to Coryo. You still didn’t quite understand Arachne’s rudeness toward the sweet guy, but something about this proposal felt off. Coryo hadn’t mentioned anything about it, and you were sure he would have if he’d been assigned. Maybe he hadn’t, due to your emotional state during your confession this morning? Everyone was waiting for your answer when a Peacekeeper administrator’s voice called out, saving you from responding. You locked eyes with Arachne, and she was quick to take action.

“Looks like your master is calling, so you’d better go keep order or whatever it is you do.”

“Peace. We keep the peace. It’s in the name.”

Of course, the thing that brought Sejanus out of his trance was an opportunity to jab at Arachne. She took your tray, tossed it, and grabbed your wrist, pulling you away. Cassian tried to call out for an answer, but Arachne left no room for discussion. You glanced back, avoiding Cassian’s questioning gaze and meeting Coriolanus’s instead. A sweet smile passed between you two, and you were off in the wind.

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Your tasks were still the same: capture as many mockingjays as possible and send them back for examination. You and Arachne had made good progress scouring the woods, but the inevitable section you dreaded was getting closer and closer. Ara offered to go ahead and get closer to your uncle's cabin. Just the thought of it all made you spiral downward. The chills that had been building up shook through your bones. It was a beautiful day, maybe even a bit too hot, yet you felt a bitter cold in your extremities. Without fail, you experienced numbing cold, piercing migraines, or blurry eyesight every day since you left the Capitol. You doubted it was homesickness, even if you missed the bustling city. The woods and fresh air of District Twelve were refreshing—a change you weren’t sure you wanted to let go of.

Strolling along and tracing the wooden engravings on the trees, your ears perked up at a soft tune. A melodious hum peacefully floated through the air, guiding you to the location of the beautiful, raven-colored mockingjay. Such a sight it was. The heavenly sounds of the bird, eerily resembling Lucy Gray's own hums, echoed off four gravestones. The mockingjay itself was perched on what seemed to be the newest of the graves. The three on the left looked older, more rushed, and crumbling. However, they had little yellow flowers beneath them. On the farthest right, and closest to you, a newer and sturdier gravestone stood proudly—a fitting tribute to the man it honored.

Jessup Diggs. Friend, Son, Brother, and Hope.

Maybe it was the odd blistering sensations crawling through your body or the sheer exhaustion of the past few weeks. It could have just been the guilt of survival and murder, but you collapsed to your knees. You were shivering and felt nauseous, yet no tears broke through your lacrimals. Shaking hands traced the fresh pink carnations in front of the stone. You reached up to feel the engraving of the letter J when your trance was shattered.

"So she was right."

Behind you stood a black-eyed, bruised Kane. His dark curls were a mess, and his smile was tired. No judgment hid behind his bruised eyes. A small bouquet of curved purple flowers was clutched in his bandaged hands. There were no words you felt you could say, so you just moved slightly to give him room. A genuine smile crept across his solemn face as he sat down. The mockingjay was still singing its tune.

"You were his—uhm, what were you called again?"

"Mentor." A quiet confession, barely a whisper. Kane began arranging the purple flowers, ones you had never seen before, with the pink carnations. In his back pocket, you noticed a few other puffy orange flowers, which he also mixed in.

"Mentor. Lucy Gray said that she and Jessup had the best two."

His dark eyes remained fixed on the flowers while you turned to study his features. He didn’t directly resemble your brother, but something in the way his shoulders bore the weight of the world and the softness of his voice reminded you of Otto. Perhaps it wasn’t too hard to imagine your uncle seeing one as the other.

"Do you know how he died?" You feared you might have struck a nerve with the question, as Kane took a shaky breath. His eyes traveled northward to the engraving in Jessup’s memory.

"Bat bite. He got it by protecting Lucy Gray."

"He definitely died defiantly. On his own terms."

Kane looked at you then. You looked at him. Really, he did resemble Otto. His eyes scrunched to bite back tears, but a shaky smile exposed his teeth. He gently shook his dark curls. "Never could give up his fight."

An atmosphere of sweet contentment swept in. The mockingjay continued its melody, transitioning from its original hum to something more dramatic than the earlier light tune. Your eyes lingered on the other gravestones. Jessup’s father, mother, and brother—all reunited once more. A detail that struck you was that the other three gravestones had "Martyr" engraved, while Jessup’s was empty of that deserved moniker.

"He was a martyr too. He died opposing his oppressors, even if not physically."

You kept your sore eyes on the bright array of flowers—purple, pink, and orange, like a calming yet vibrant sunset. A violent shiver ran through you, and despite your best efforts to conceal it, Kane noticed.

"Do you know about his family?" There was a hint of apprehension in his voice. You understood why. Your suspicions about your brother’s role had been running in your mind. Another high, grieving note was pitched by the mockingjay.

Nodding in confirmation, you gently grasped one of the billowy orange flowers. It had at least seven layers, each shade darker than the last, top to bottom, creating an ombre spectacle. "He said their killer had the same eyes as mine. Around the same age as you. His orders were filled with regret. I know it was Otto."

Kane was surprised by just how much Jessup had told you. Maybe Jessup had simply stopped caring in his final days? Perhaps he was trying to unnerve you? Then again, why would you be so sympathetic and grieving? Lucy Gray’s descriptions of her time in the Capitol and its people flooded back to him. Jessup’s mentor. “The girl is full of surprises.” Kane examined the scars on your neck. She just jumped in front of the bottle. “That nasty girl was making jabs at someone with your same name, and yet, she still took the hit!”

His dark eyes caught sight of the dull ring hanging around your neck. From your sudden collapse, your necklace had been thrust forward, out of your shirt and into the forest air. The symbol of House Embridge stood proud, just as it had around Alreic’s ring and on all of Alreic’s fanatical drawings and engravings.

"Did he ever hate you for having the same name? Did he know?"

"Eventually he knew, but he never judged. He understood what happened. I didn’t move in with Al until I was 13, but Jessup and I had been friends since we could walk. We met running through the woods, addicted to the thrill of sprinting past the trees. It was just me and my mom until I was 11, when she had Rowan with a different father than mine," he took a breath. The young man never needed to explicitly say Alreic was the father—you knew. The Embridge eyes never lie. "I loved Jessup’s family, especially his brother and dad. My mother did everything for me, and I loved her, but it was different having a father figure. Someone to teach you how to shoot arrows and survive off the land. My mom was a barmaid; she didn’t know how to do any of that. But then… Well, you know what happened to his family. It wasn’t much later that my mom—my mom was murdered too."

His voice cracked at the end. The rawness of death swirled in your consciousness as you handed the flower in your hand to Kane. Even as one sole tear escaped down his stubbled cheek, he smiled faintly at your gesture.

"I was there for him, and he for me. He had nowhere else to go but the cabin where his family died. It would have been a shame to abandon their legacy. I couldn’t stand being in the shack I was born in. I knew nothing of my father, just that he was lost to the wind like a lot of kids here. But at least I knew where to find Rowan’s. He was barely conscious most of the time, but he let us stay, or at least wasn’t aware enough to kick us out. The good thing was we weren’t far from Jessup. He helped me raise Rowan. A few years later, Covey joined the mix. Life didn’t look so bleak anymore. Even Al started sobering up and stepping up. I survived the Hunger Games reaping. It was Jessup’s last year and only a few more for Lucy Gray. My biggest worry was Maude Ivory or Rowan, as it was their first year. Never did I think that two of my family would be taken."

In the few minutes it took for him to finish his story, it seemed he had aged a decade. Even with Lucy Gray coming back, he had lost his family. No unit stays the same when one pillar crumbles. You wished to comfort him, but you didn’t know how. You felt like the embodiment of everything that had caused him pain. A wailing tune from the bird continued to cement itself in the atmosphere between you two.

"I am so sorry." It wasn’t an empty apology, but it felt useless to you, though to Kane, it was a welcomed, foreign phrase. From all he’d heard from Lucy Gray, he knew you weren’t the average Capitol citizen. And from Alreic, he knew your family—and by extension, you—were important. He still needed to know exactly why someone of your status ended up in the backwoods of Twelve, but he appreciated your efforts nonetheless.

Arachne was likely on her way back to the barracks to finish off her tasks for the day, and you should have been doing the same. But you had no desire to move. You enjoyed Kane’s presence, the comfort long missing from your life. Sunlight streamed through the trees and shone down on the flowers that had captivated you.

"Is there a specific reason for the flowers chosen?"

The change in conversation lightened Kane’s mood as he grabbed a stem of each one. You only recognized the pink carnation; the others were unfamiliar.

“The pink carnation,” he held it out for you as he explained, “That’s from Lucy Gray. It symbolizes a vow to never forget the person it’s gifted to.” You spun the flower between your fingers before lightly setting it back with the rest of its sisters. They weren’t your flowers, but you silently committed to the same vow the flowers implied.

“Next are the sweet peas. A symbol of goodbye and thank you for the times together. These are mine.” Purple and delicate, the flowers entranced you. An impactful message in such a fragile flower. Finally, there was the large puff of an orange flower.

“From Rowan. The Zinnia. A declaration of everlasting affection for lost friends.” Layers of petals created a sentiment of deepening love. All together, Jessup’s memory came alive. An unforgettable soul. Your hands now felt empty as you had no flowers of your own to give.

“Next time, I will bring something. Though, I am not sure if I am too good with flower meanings.”

Kane got up and offered you his dirt-stained hand, which you gently took. You dusted off your dark blue pants while the young man stood patiently. At your sudden movement, the stoic mockingjay broke through the air and into the deep woods. “I am sure Maude Ivory and Rowan will be more than happy to introduce you. They have them all written down somewhere.”

You started walking back toward the barracks and town without even considering where Kane might have to go, but he just followed along amicably. You smiled at his authenticity and willingness to trust his little sister with you.

“I am surprised you know so little about flowers. I assumed Capital kids get taught all the silly stuff like that.”

Shaking your head gently, you giggled a little at his admission. Maybe some of your peers knew a few floral meanings, but most were just concerned with how pretty it looked.

“Well, flowers only really matter if they are expensive and look it. They try to buy authenticity with materialistic urges.”

Kane took note of how you described your fellow residents as “they.” You didn’t even seem to consider yourself to be one of them. Odd.

“So what are your favorite flowers then? The most expensive ones?”

That slick, smitten smile spread across your lips, mimicking the rosy blush across your cheeks. The phantom smell of roses danced in your nose. Shiny petals danced in the moonlight, filtering through your mind.

“Well, if you must know, then white roses. In a way, they have the most value. Their seeds are pricey, but that is what makes having so little so valuable. Being able to give them up is a gift far more worthwhile than riches.”

Your companion took in your answer and considered it. Obviously, there were no fine floral such as the white flowers you held so dear in Twelve, but this wasn't the first time he’d heard of them. Lucy Gray described her first encounter with her rose-bearing mentor. The trees began to clear slightly when you were knocked off course when Kane bumped his shoulder with yours.

“Oh, it’s not the flowers. It’s a boy giving them, isn’t it?”

You laughed ridiculously at his (right) accusation. “Just how much did Lucy Gray give away?”

“Oh, she can’t stop talking about the two of you.” He laughed lightly at the memory of her enthusiasm for “true love.” The tree break came into view, and you walked through and turned around to face your newest friend. You smiled at him, a gesture lightly returned.

“At least it isn’t curses. I can manage to accept that.” A quick wave, and you were off to your office to get some work done. In the whirlwind of emotion from the day, you underestimated the persistence of Cassian and Coriolanus.

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There are far worse fates for Coriolanus Snow than being a peacekeeper. He actually enjoyed the routine and obvious benefits of large food quantities and bedding that actually fit him. Not to mention you and Sejanus’s company. Even Arachne was an unexpected perk. Though, there was one person who made Coriolanus’s agitation flare up.

Cassian Slate was no threat on the surface. Even in reality, Coriolanus had enough confidence to know he was no threat to his relationship with you. That doesn’t mean he liked his eyes on you nor his continuous efforts to get close to you. Something about him made Coriolanus’s gut sour. The feeling had never disappointed him before; he doubted it would start now. Tens of peacekeepers who were not on active duty were in the training facility. Fury had already fueled several of Coryo’s exercise reps. Yet, Cassian did his so gently. As if he had no weight upon his shoulders. It shouldn’t have been odd for a man of no status, such as the district-born, but it was more than that. Everyone else had an air of struggle or striving, but Cassian was eerily free of those attributes. Something was off about him.

The sentiment was shared by Sejanus. For the past several hours, he had been mulling over the name and the hazel eyes that trailed everything far too closely. Until it struck him, sending him straight back to his childhood memories. Just as Marcus had been his classmate, so had Cassian. All Sejanus wanted to do was reconnect, but he doubted it would cause any good results. Though it seemed it wasn’t just him who could recognize old childhood friends. When Coriolanus was distracted, talking to him and Sejanus’s shared roommate, Cassian made his way to Sejanus, who was studying varying herbal remedies.

“Guess the Capital hasn’t changed you after all.”

Coriolanus should have stopped the conversation. There was a lot that should have been done in those days to stop what would come.

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It had been nearly an hour, and you were still unsure where Arachne had gone. Although, her disappearances had become more frequent, so there was no immediate reason to panic. She always comes back for dinner. You were in a small research office at the far end of the large building shared between researchers and peacekeepers. A dusty library was centered, with varying proposed rooms scattered around it. On the first day, you and Arachne managed to snatch one of the few in good condition, with a pretty view of the billowing trees.

You had been stooped over several books about cross-species mutations, the exact category of the mockingjay. Coincidentally, there were also descriptions of a group that could induce the hallucinogenic symptoms akin to your uncle's. Focus overtook you so firmly that you didn’t hear the knock on your open doorframe.

“And she still finds herself lost in the pages.”

Tired eyes snapped to the teasing gaze of your Coryo. He walked to you slowly, and you took that time to admire his appearance. The peacekeeper position really didn’t look too bad on him. The buzzed blonde perched himself next to you. You didn’t need to explain all the diagrams or pages. You never had to really explain anything, academic or personal, to Coriolanus. A miracle you were eternally grateful for. As he understood the aim of your work on your own, you went back to it, settling into the comfortable quiet. All until a grating voice pierced Coriolanus’s ears.

“Hey, Y/N—oh. I didn’t know you had company.”

Both you and Coriolanus looked up with two widely different expressions. A look of embarrassment overtook your face, while Coryo sent a murderous glare to the brunette. Cassian, adamant as ever, still made his way into your office. He looked at his blonde peer with a quizzical look.

“Uhm, if you wouldn’t mind, I need to talk to Y/N about private peacekeeping business?”

Cassian wanted to get comfortable, so Coryo did the same. Instead of simply being next to you, Coryo moved his arms in a manner that trapped you within his embrace as he faked reading the plethora of information beneath your fingertips. You felt trapped, both physically and socially in the moment. Yet, Coryo radiated smugness.

“I am a peacekeeper as well, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t you think, Y/N?”

You felt like a fish out of water, gaping up at the man hovering above you. Blue sapphire eyes that passed for his ducked down to level with yours. A stuttered “y-yeah” was hardly heard as Coryo raised his head. Coriolanus’s joy only grew, seeing the irritation build behind those charming hazel eyes.

“I need to speak about private matters by order from my superior.” Cassian’s voice was strained as he tried to hold back the irritation at the foiling of his plans.

“Then don’t let me stop you,” Coriolanus stated daringly. You picked up on Cassian’s little ticks. They weren’t ones of boyish nerves but rather signs of anger and stress. His eyes zoomed in on you for backup, but you no longer felt willing to give him a few moments alone with you.

One of the many reasons you and Coriolanus got along so well was your strong intuition. If only you all shared it.

Cassian knew he wasn’t going to get anything with Coryo’s sharpness orbiting you. A mumbled goodbye, and he was gone. Your head swiveled to follow the movements of Coryo, who now made his way to sit in front of your small, chipped wooden desk. Squinted eyes leveling a disappointed look had no effect on him.

“There is something off with him. I’ll find out soon enough.”

And that was the end of the conversation. No room for argument, because how could you oppose the feeling that had been slithering through your stomach at his oddly insistent behavior? You tried to piece together the pieces before your attention was once again stolen by the charming peacekeeper.

“I crossed paths with Lucy Gray earlier. She invited us to her and the Covey’s trip down to the lake in a few days. Thought you would enjoy it.”

The smile on his face was sickly sweet and warm. Stars of adoration shone through his dimples. You were lucky you even caught on to what he was saying while being so distracted.

“I would love to, but I don’t have anything to wear.”

“She called in some favors. Didn’t hurt to have a peacekeeper presence behind her.”

Worry etched its way between your brows at Lucy Gray’s gesture and the intimidation of Coryo. However, the latter was quick to peck the spot with kisses, smoothing it out. He was still intent on keeping his promise to himself about you. Coriolanus didn’t need you worrying about anything. Even if you were across the country, you two would return to the Capitol soon enough, victorious and your places justifiably awarded. As president and first lady. He had already gotten his first step back. News he was excited to share with you by the lakeside, but that wasn’t what he was looking forward to the most. You started talking about some passionate debate between you and Arachne. Coryo could only notice just how much the ring of Snow glowed.

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You were drowning. The sudden darkness was replaced by frigid water blocking fresh air from entering your lungs. It crept down your hair strands and into the little tunnels that form your ears. In less than a moment, you sprang up from your bed, scraping your face to get the unwelcome substance off.

"Good morning, sunshine."

The void, raspy morning voice of Arachne greeted you. Your eyes were still blinking away the water as her fully dressed figure came into view. Still reeling from a deep sleep, you could only manage a half-hearted glare. There wasn’t a single sunray striking through your curtains. What joke was life playing on you today? A firm pillow broke you out of your thoughts and the minuscule semblance of peace you had gotten.

“Get dressed, we need to meet everyone by the back woods.”

There wasn’t a single coherent thought forming. All you could do was grumble and stare blankly at your blanket. Another perfect hit on your head via pillow. “Blame yourself. You wanted to go to the lake.”

Ah yes. The past few days had been a haze of morning walks with Coryo, research duties, small rendezvous with Kane, and conversations with Sejanus and Arachne at the oddest moments, since neither could rarely be found. Interesting how they are only present when the other is... Well, your pondering could wait. Now you needed to get up before your redheaded friend refilled the water cup. Lucy Gray instructed you all to meet by the early dawn at the back clearing of the woods. Apparently, the best time to visit the lake was early morning.

Your outfit was a simple dress by Capitol standards, yet still the most opulent fabric masterpiece the districts had the privilege to see. Good thing the early dawn light covered it up. Arachne was wearing a deep navy skirt and chic white blouse to pair. Underneath both, the gifted swimsuits from Lucy Gray. You tried to deny it, but she insisted, for “all you have done.” No matter your personal feelings on it, Lucy Gray, and lately Kane, thanked you for the dignity you gave the two District 12 tributes in their time at the Capitol.

Only a few feet ahead, you saw several grouped figures in the clearing of trees that transitioned from field to woods. You could tell from the height and perfect posture which one was your Coryo. It was an immense relief to know you were right, considering you jumped on his back. It was a surprise to the boy, but a very good one once he saw your wide smile. Eyes still droopy, your joy made up for your sleepiness. Coryo was quick to wrap an arm around your shoulders as your decently sized group made its way. The whole Covey was present and leading the way. In addition, Rowan was getting off the trail with the ever-loyal Maude Ivory beside her. Their victim of the day being a poor fluffy tailed squirrel on the run from the pair. Her brother, Kane – a moniker only you used – was listening intently to something Sejanus was saying. Somehow, the two met, which was a bit odd to hear him talk about “Otto.” He never met your brother, so to even hear the utterance of his name felt peculiar. Even Arachne joined in. Their conversation was quiet but brought a smile to the men's faces and an expression of pure contentment that was so foreign on Arachne’s pretty features.

To your left, Lucy Gray was lively speaking of the district and her favorite stories. To your right was a rare, relaxed Coryo. The situation you found yourself in felt too perfect to last. It was the first time in months, maybe years, or even a decade, that you and your Capitol peers felt like actual youth. Careless young people who are in love, with someone or life itself. You hummed along with Lucy Gray’s excited retelling and admired the beautiful view that opened up to you. The army of trees parted their branches to display a serene scene of emerald pines surrounding a crystal blue lake. The morning sun cast an effect of sparkles across the water's calm surface. Well, that was calm before the immense splashes of Rowan and Maude Ivory’s sudden jumps into it.

The two young girls’ antics brought the whole group laughter but also a feeling of longing for you too. There weren’t many children in the Capitol your age. Nearly all your peers had no young siblings, or if they did, there was a near ten-year age gap. The toll of the dark days still shows in the empty classrooms that the middle school-aged children should have filled. You were shaken out of your gloomy thoughts when you were physically shaken as your feet left the ground.

“Coryo—AH!”

Your shrieks were cut off by the purge of water you were suddenly thrown into. As fast as you possibly could, you cut through to the surface to see a grinning Coriolanus. Oh, that little—No one seemed to give you the courtesy of peace as your mental curses were interrupted by large splashes in your face. This time, the offender was a sly-faced Arachne. And to add onto it all, Sejanus joined in on the fun. You were still wearing your dress for goodness’ sake. Though, the fabric would have to wait as your time of revenge had dawned.

You aimed your hardest splash at your closest opponent, Arachne, and went directly for Coryo, ensuring your feet splashed Sjenanus. The pretty dress was drenched and slowing you down, but you were determined to reach the laughing blonde, and he seemed in no mood to stop you. You finally got close enough to make your own attacks, which were quickly retaliated. Coryo got closer and closer to you. Seemingly enough, he must've been some sort of magnet as you naturally floated into his space. Mere inches from each other’s faces, you soaked it all in—the water covering your entire body, the sun warming it, and the man who you loved beyond words and worldly limitations. It transcended into spheres only known to your sentiment rather than your consciousness.

Giggles bubbled all around you as you turned to see a family’s much-needed relaxation and enjoyment. Coryo used the moment to bring you close and hook his head into the crook of your neck. You watched in contentment as Maude-Ivory and Rowan raced against each other, pretending to be different types of fish, even making noises and impressions to go along with it. Sejanus floated on his back, taking in all the beauty of Twelve's nature. Arachne was swimming a few ways off, exploring the body of water. Kane was as red as a sweet apple, and you had an inclination it had nothing to do with the scorching sun, but the sunlight in human form next to him. Lucy Gray had a blinding smile that only fueled his smitten one and yours of excitement for the two.

You felt the constraints of your drenched dress loosen as Coriolanus was unbuttoning it in your moment of analysis. He quickly threw it near the shore and instantly had his arms wrapped around you. Turning to face him, you met piercing blue eyes that always brought you comfort.

“This is nice.” A sickly sweet smile played upon your lips. Coriolanus nodded along, just wanting to hear more of your voice. “Yeah?”

You breathed in the forest air, letting the atmosphere roll over you as your eyes fluttered shut. “I never thought I would be grateful for Highbottom for sending me to Twelve, but here I am. Especially with you here.”

Opening your eyes, you were not met with Coryo’s own staring back. Rather, they avoided you as they stared off toward where the rest of the group swam. A look of contemplation and seriousness carved its way onto his chiseled features. Panic started to bubble beneath your heart as possibilities started running rampant in your mind. You knew everything was too perfect to last.

“I don’t think we are going to be here much longer, Y/N.”

Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to decipher his meaning and bring some semblance of comfort to your body that started to chill. “This place,” Coriolanus continued, “it isn’t for us. We are meant to be in the Capital. We belong there, not hiding away in the woods.”

It was never to be expected that Coriolanus would like Twelve, but how exactly were the two of you supposed to go back when your exile was far from over? Not to mention, you were unsure of what to expect back at the Capital with no home nor father. Sejanus would be adamant on staying in the districts, and Arachne... well, you were unsure of Arachne these days. The only other people you were sure you could rely on were the Snows, and they themselves had no support, even less so with these weeks of separation from Coriolanus. Yet, of course, the blonde had a plan at hand to ease your apprehension.

“I was offered an officer position in One. It would be so much more pay. I can send back to my family. They are struggling so much, Y/N. They even moved out of the apartment. I need to go, and you to come with me. I’m not being separated from you again.”

Your grip on the young man tightened as you started feeling weak, even as shivers rattled your bones. Coryo immediately noticed and was quick to swim you back to shore in worry. Thoughts of the Snows' struggles and sacrifices tried to crawl their way to the forefront of your brain to distract you from the numbing feeling. Coriolanus sprinted to the basket of towels the Covey brought along and grabbed far too many in your opinion but far too few in his. The water wasn’t cold, not enough to make you shiver. And it was so instantaneous as well. No signs of cold until he mentioned his proposition, and you were suddenly freezing. You were thinking the same thing as you finally accepted this was a recurring issue. Since coming to Twelve, these bouts of frost overtook you but left within a few minutes. Though, as you expected it to wear off soon, a foreign prickling pain took hold of your right leg.

A horrific sight had black spots clouding your vision. Ice-blue crystals scaled up your shin, thinning out near your knee. You looked up to see Coryo coming back to you, and in a panic, you made the decision to try to rub it off. A horrible choice, as stings of pain shot through your veins and up to the arteries strangling your heart. An uncontrollable shout of agony left your mouth, causing the already fast strides of young Snow to rapidly speed up. He immediately dropped to his knees, covering you with warm, sun-baked towels. It was then that his eyes caught your leg. The quick-thinking Coriolanus was stunned into a bewildered freeze; his ever-turning gears halted in a mirage of anger, confusion, worry, and shock.

"I don't know, Coryo. I don't know!" you cried as emotion cracked your voice. He was still silent as he grabbed your leg to examine it while you tried to bite back any more yelps. You wished to scream at him to stop when you felt his finger lightly graze the frost, but suddenly, it started to melt away. Once assured that there wasn’t a single prickle of ice left, Coryo’s full attention turned to your lightly shivering body.

“Y/N…”

“It’s been happening since I got on the train to Twelve. I’ve tried all I can to figure out whatever ailment this is, but what is the cure to ice?!”

“Fire.”

You leveled him with an unimpressed look, undermined by the fear dancing in your eyes. Exhaustion engraved itself on your face and body language. Comfort wrapped itself around you in the form of Coryo’s arms. The constant cycle of joy and ruin was becoming too much; you just wished for peace. Not even the furthest edges of Twelve could provide it. Nothing could, except the boy you were tangled up with. You let your mind wander into a blank state while Coriolanus never had the privilege. Instead, he was calculating what could have caused your problem. You said it had been since you got on the train to Twelve. If that bastard Highbottom laid a finger on you—

"Hey, lovebirds, lunch is ready!" Sejanus shouted from further down the beach, waving you two over.

You snuggled closer to the man as a whisper snuck out. “You really think I can transfer out of here?”

The look he sent your way was the embodiment of gentleness and endearment. "You are the best mind this whole district has. I’m sure they can recognize that your place is far greater than here."

You didn’t agree with your “superiority” to the district-born, but you were open to leaving the place you were starting to love. The strings of your heart did pull at the thought of consciously leaving your uncle behind, even if he didn’t seem to recognize or enjoy your presence. You enjoyed the friendship of Lucy Gray and the antics of her sister and Rowan. Oh, Rowan and Kane. You had yet to fully comprehend that you had a cousin and the eerie similarities between your late brother and the man who took his moniker. Though, you did know where your loyalty lay most of all. It would cut you to know you would leave business unfinished, at least for now. But it would kill you to be apart yet again from the man whose love was an uncontrollable element of your existence.

Coryo slowly stood up to give you time to adjust and aided you up like any good-sensed gentleman would. His hand intertwined with yours as a hopeful smile grew on his handsome face.

“So you would come with?”

“Told you, where you go, I go. One ain’t so bad compared to an arena filled with people who want to kill you.”

You didn’t have to remind him of the cost of your loyalty. Though the confirmation made his heart soar and his stomach knot as his plan was nearly set. As the two of you met up with the rest of your group, Coriolanus helped you put your hair out of the way of your food. In the process, his swiftness and subtlety completed the last part of his plan. While surrounded by warm and lively conversation, the pocket of Coriolanus was weighed down with a ring of anticipation.

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After several hours of answering the endless questions from Maude-Ivory and Rowan about the Capitol, it was late afternoon, and time to go back. The covey had a show later that night, and Ott-Kane had to get ready for his shift at the bar. It slightly frightened you how easily your subconscious was willing to call him Otto. The foreign feeling lingered off your tongue, and the constriction of your heart made you uneasy. Your friends left oddly quickly, and even Sejanus didn't wait for you or Coryo. The latter was oddly slow to take his leave. For all his talk of wanting to leave Twelve, he did take his time looking around an unusual number of times. His behavior made you antsy, and your natural instinct was to grip your metal rings, which had brought you comfort these past few weeks. However, the action provided the exact opposite of the comfort you sought.

Horror made you nauseous as you felt your bare neck. Over and over again, you slapped your neck and chest, yet not a single one of the three rings was there. Short breaths were the only sounds you could hear above the blood pounding in your ears. How could you be so careless?! They were certainly expensive pieces of jewelry, but to you, they were priceless. They represented your mother, your legacy, and your love.

You searched everywhere in your immediate vicinity, doing your best not to alert Coriolanus. It was his family ring, among yours, that you had lost. Oh, he would be so disappointed. Maybe even furious at your reckless behavior. However, there is very little one can hide from the watchful eye of the Snow heir.

"Your rings!"

"I know! Please, please don't be mad! I don't even know how I lost them; they are always so secure. What if I lost them, Coryo! Oh no, what if I lost them? What do I do? Oh my—"

"Y/N! Love, please just breathe!"

Hands on your shoulders forced you to inhale and exhale. The process helped you calm, but it could not lift the doom placed upon you. You met Coriolanus's eyes, which you expected to be hard with annoyance at your panic, yet they were barely concerned. There was a softness to them you felt was undeserved.

"Let's go find them, okay?"

You were already taking steps back toward the lakefront, but Coryo suggested you look in the woods. It was too late to inform him that, if your memory served you correctly, you had your necklace during your trek here. Only after your swim and the ice debacle did you lose track of the family heirlooms' location. But Coriolanus was already lost in the trees as you ran to catch up with him. His walk wasn't one of slow scanning but a determined march. He didn’t even seem the least bit confused about where to go, as he should have been, being so new to this section of the woods. Rather, he knew exactly when to jump over tricky roots and when to move branches out of the way for you. The last rays of sunlight had already set, leaving twilight to dance above your heads. A beautiful sight you wished you could indulge in, but it only reminded you of the lost beauty you felt you were drifting further and further away from.

After several minutes of blindly trailing after Coriolanus, who barely glanced around, you cracked.

"Coryo, stop! We are going the wrong way. Please, we only have so much more light. I can't lose these too!"

The crack in your voice pierced his heart, but Coriolanus knew what he was doing. He was so, so close—just a few more steps.

"Let's just look a little further."

You gave an exasperated huff as your head tilted backward. Why was he being so difficult?

"Coryo, please—"

"Wait, what is that?”

Your eyebrows scrunched as Coryo pointed to something shiny a few feet ahead of you. Immediately, your feet carried you toward the possible source of your relief. So focused on the possibility, you didn’t realize the metal twinkled because of the numerous string lights surrounding the circular clearing of trees. You bent down and swiped the fallen leaves off quickly as your shaking hands gently lifted the metal. Though, apprehension turned into confusion as it was something you recognized, though it wasn't your adored jewelry. It was Coriolanus's peacekeeper dog tags.

You turned around, puzzled, as your eyes were still on the tags. "Coryo—"

All words, breath, and blood in you froze.

There, on one knee, a scene only from the most earnest chambers of your heart appeared. Coriolanus Snow held out the ring of his family, passed to you. The twinkling light encircling the two of you illuminated the display with bright yellow yarrow and pure white baby’s breath intertwined into bouquets among the branches. Even the warm lighting couldn’t fully hide the rouge and heat washing over Coriolanus’s smiling face.

"Y/N—"

In hindsight, you mentally kicked yourself for not waiting to hear his speech. Though you couldn’t blame yourself, as you fully threw yourself at the love of your life.

"YES! YES!"

You didn’t really think through your actions as you both fell back onto the dirt forest floor, but you didn’t mind, and seemingly enough, neither did Coryo, as you sealed your answer with a hundred little pecks. Your emotional hurricanes had been far too common lately, but in that moment, the few tears of joy and giddy laughter were welcomed as you held his face close and him to you.

"You are sure? What if my speech was horrible?"

A tear and a laugh couldn’t be contained as you rolled your eyes at the ridiculous question. "It’s your smooth talking that got the girl to say yes, Coryo. So yes, I’m sure."

A grin split his face as he dived back in for one more kiss that would have melted into a mind-numbing amount more if you hadn’t broken it with a toothy grin of your own.

"So can I have my ring back?"

"Technically, it’s my house ring."

"Either way, it’s mine now, isn’t it?" You smirked, and the flushed young man couldn’t help the fluttering feeling in his heart float freely.

"Well yes, it is, Mrs. Snow."

Somehow, even with your tumble to the ground, the ring of Snow still remained in Coriolanus’s hands. Hand in hand, his slightly calloused fingers gently slid the shimmering heirloom along your ring finger. It fit perfectly. A good thing, as its integrity would be tested when suddenly a force picked you up and spun you around.

"Finally!!"

Sejanus’s voice rang out as the trees turned into blurs while you were spinning in the air.

"I do think Mr. Snow would like his fiancée in one piece, Sejanus."

Arachne’s dry voice rang out but was mixed with a tone of softness so foreign to the redhead. As you were placed down, albeit a bit dizzy, it was no longer just you and Coriolanus in the clearing. Sejanus and Arachne you heard (and felt), but you were also graced with a giddy and jumping Lucy Gray, the cheering and dancing pair of Rowan and Maude-Ivory, and a content Kane leaning against a large-trunked tree.

You turned to Sejanus as the brightly smiling boy crushed you in a hug, and you cackled in shock. "I'm so happy for you two!"

"I can tell by the way you’re crushing my wife to death.”

Coryo’s presence was felt as Sejanus let go with a sheepish look, which turned into one of pride as he looked at his two closest friends, so happy with each other. Sejanus turned to hug and congratulate Coryo as you turned to a vulnerable-looking Arachne. She caught your eye and tried to give her best genuine smile, though you could tell it was a bit of a struggle.

"Congrats, Ace. You deserve it."

Her voice was laced with an unspoken sadness that she tried to cover up with joy for the two of you. It puzzled you, as you couldn't figure out what the gravity of her tone could be from.

"Hey, don’t give me that face. I’m still going to need a maid of honor and a friend to complain to." You joked with her to lighten the mood, and thankfully, she laughed along. Arachne wasn't one for hugs nor sentimentality; you knew that much, but she did try her best. She placed a hand on your shoulder as a light smile curved her lips upwards.

"I’m being serious, Y/N. You deserve your happiness, no matter who it is."

Arachne didn’t give you much time to ponder her last bit as she turned away, and your attention was grabbed by an elated Lucy Gray. Immediately, you were enveloped in a hug.

"Soulmates! You two are made for each other, and now you are getting married!"

Her ecstatic voice rang through the trees as your giggle followed its pathway. You separated from the embrace, and your eyes crinkled from your smile.

"Thank you! Though, I do have a favor to ask of you as your friend. The wedding wouldn't feel complete without you there—"

"I thought you would never ask!"

Yes, another crushing embrace (you weren’t sure your ribs were going to hold due to the amount of these hugs). "Oh, please let me sing! Your love will be so easy to write and sing about. It flows as naturally as the river's waves."

You could only giggle at her excitement as you agreed, and yet another cheer erupted from her. An energy matched by the two jumping girls sprinting toward you, nearly crashing into your abdomen.

"Can we come, please, please?!"

"I can sing too! Lucy Gray says I'm getting just as good as her!"

"I can do all the flowers! I did the ones today, look!"

Suddenly, a bouquet of white and yellow flowers was thrust into your face by Rowan. You took it gently with a sweet smile as you examined the pretty floral arrangement.

"We both did it! Rowan did the yellow yarrow, and I did the white baby’s breath! It reminded me of Coriolanus's hair."

That made you and Lucy Gray burst into laughter at the admission.

"They both mean everlasting love! That's what Lucy Gray keeps saying you have!"

Your eyes drifted away from the ecstatic girls to your brunette friend, who met you with a satisfied grin. You turned back to the chaotic pair to greet them with good news.

"Well, nothing's a party if you two aren’t there, is that right?"

High-pitched shrieks of excitement erupted from the two as they hugged your lower body tightly.

"So we get to go to the Capitol?!"

Your mind paused at the question. You forgot the reality of your country and just how difficult it would be to get two little girls from the poorest district to attend your wedding. Lucy Gray could be argued for due to her victor status, but anyone else would be an issue. Though, you had a saving grace in the form of Rowan and practically Maude-Ivory’s older brother.

"Okay, you two have pestered her enough."

Groans of disappointment and debate were quickly shut down as the pair were beckoned by Lucy Gray to go congratulate Coriolanus. They begrudgingly followed the singer, who shared a quick honey-laced smile with Kane.

"Seems like there’s another love brewing, huh?"

You teased lightly as he flushed beneath the string lights’ rays. He scratched his neck as he gave you a shy yet proud look.

"I just wanted to say congratulations. You deserve that kind of love. I know you will go back eventually, and I am nothing compared to the Capitol’s might, but if he ever does anything, just know how good I am with a bow and arrow."

His words were spoken with such sincerity that holding back the flood of emotion was cracking through your composure. He sounded so much like your brother. You deserved the love given to you, and he deserved the name and respect your brother once held. Maybe it was too much, but you slowly wrapped your arms around him as you muttered a thank you into his chest.

"Thank you, Otto."

He looked down at your face in surprise, and as you looked up, he knew it wasn't a mix-up. He meant every word he said, as did you. He returned the embrace, and you felt transported back to that little five-year-old who didn’t know that would be the last time she hugged her brother, her world. Though this time, this wasn’t meant to be the last; it was just the beginning. You knew you would have to leave, but you swore to yourself it wouldn’t be forever. Your blood is both in the Capitol and right here in the woods of Twelve. You wouldn’t abandon either.

Coriolanus watched from afar as he felt relief for you. He knew how much this situation was tearing you apart. A minuscule piece of him, however, did regret taking you away from this newfound part of your long-thought-dead lineage. He wasn’t given much time to stew, though, as Arachne’s presence made itself known.

"Congrats, Coryo."

The blonde turned to the girl, who now had her eyes trained on you. A longing and devastation fought against each other in her chestnut-colored eyes.

"Arachne?"

He beckoned to the girl, but she closed her eyes as she tried to finally seal off her heart. She knew this was coming, and she should be more than grateful for your friendship. The universe never favored her anyways. Arachne Crane was always destined for the black matter, while you and Coryo were the sun's favorite muses.

"You've won once again. Treat her well." And she was off. Coriolanus knew of her affections for you and didn’t wish to parade you off to her. Though, he couldn’t help but feel pride at being able to call you his. His wife. Ambition never resting on him, soon to call you his first lady. Coriolanus sauntered over to your conversation with Otto, who nodded approvingly to the man who was now your husband-to-be and left you two. You turned with a lovesick grin to the charming man.

"So to be clear, I didn’t lose my rings?"

Coriolanus laughed, shaking his head, as he grabbed your necklace from his pocket, dangling it in front of you. You turned around without a word as he seamlessly clipped it around your neck. Now only the two your mother always wore were along the fine chain. The most important radiated upon your finger.

"Oh, I still have your dog tags!"

"Keep them."

You cocked your head at his proposition, but you had no room to argue when he gently took them from your fingers and made them neighbors with the fine jewelry already there. You softly caressed the metal that had his name engraved upon it and turned to the tall blonde.

"Well, now everyone knows I’m yours."

"Well, I can’t complain about that now, can I?"

Oh, to be young and in love. To live in a dream. Yet, all must wake from their dreams, and you didn’t have a choice in the method. If you did, you would have never chosen the method of death.

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@notyourwildestdream 🌹@darktrashsoulbear 🌹 @scarletstarrs 🌹 @queenofshinigamis 🌹 @nekee-lilac02 @fantasylovestoryme 🌹 @a-avengerparker 🌹

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