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the-dream-beyond · 2 years ago

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January 25th, 2023

Making Every Moment Intentional with Chris Stricklin

Nik: Everybody has a perfect fit somewhere. Too many people are in an inappropriate job in an inappropriate position and an inappropriate relationship that doesn't align with their why we have to have the courage to stand up and go, nope. This is my why in life. And I'm going to I'm going to adhere to.

See, you would think if I told you about US Air Force Thunderbird pilot, who experienced absolutely traumatic accident and an airshow in front of 1000s and 1000s of people, which is the worst nightmare for a pilot, you'd think that that would be the most interesting thing about a person and reality today. The person we're going to be talking to is so much more interesting than that, not for what happened to him, but for what instead came out of that the way he reacted to it the way he grew from it and reframed his life on the backside of this traumatic catastrophic event. So that's what we're going to be talking about today.

Welcome to the dream beyond. I'm your host, Nik Tarascio. I'm a CEO, musician and overall seeker of Truth, inspiration, and simply put, how to live the most fulfilling life possible. Growing up surrounded by extremely wealthy and successful people gave me unique and unfiltered perspectives of those who have seemingly made it through on the dream beyond, we're letting you in on what it really takes to achieve your dreams. What happens when it turns out your destination isn't the promised land you are expecting? How to process the lessons from your past while mapping a course to true fulfillment. Let's get started.

Nik: All right. Hey, everybody. coming to you today with Chris Strickland. He's a retired Air Force Colonel two time best selling author, company president and chief technology officer. More importantly, proud father and dedicated husband to his high school sweetheart, and man, oh, man, I saw this guy speak at a YPO. That's Young Presidents Organization. It's a business group. And part of I saw him speak a couple weeks back for me, and man, it just moved me it was probably the first time in a long time I saw someone speak. And I did not know what was coming next. I just had no idea. And when it hit me, it really affected me. And I'll tell you partly, the reason is that Chris lived one of my earliest dreams that I don't talk about much. And I always had this love for the F 16. I remember seeing that plane, something about the scoop under the nose. Just even the fact that it was just one engine, it felt a little more dangerous. I was like all the other guys, they need to we got one, we're gonna crush it. So there was something about that I just found so sexy. And he lived that dream, he really got to live that dream in a way and even lived the nightmare that I think all of us as pilots have to have to think about and hope never happened to us. So I was very much affected by his share what he's come out of that with, I think it's just a testament to the integrity and the quality of Chris and how he has turned challenging situations into a gift. And again, I'm just so grateful that Chris has come off timeout for us today. And I'm just really excited to dive in. I don't even want to preamble that much here, because I just want to hear more from you. And again, just really happy that that you're here with us today.

Chris: Nik, I appreciate it. Thanks for having me on your show here. And I will tell your listeners out there that I have already gotten a tremendous amount from our conversations we've had since we met at that event. And that's part of what I challenge other people to do is put yourself around people that challenge you in different ways, sometimes in uncomfortable ways. And you have I you and I have had some really open and honest conversations. And that's amazing. Because everybody you put around you you should grow from and you should challenge them to be better. And that's what I thank you for is in our short time being together. And I'm looking forward to the future of our conversations. You have challenged me in that way. And talked about my story from a viewers perspective, which allowed me to grow it from the presenters and livres perspective. So thank you very much.

Nik: It's amazing to hear again, I'm honored in whatever way I can be of service to your story growing and just your friendship again, I think at the end of the day, what is this really all about? It's about friendship and connection. So, what life's about in general, it really is. And that's I mean, that's the hope with this podcast as a chance for people to say, you know, I feel connected to some really extraordinary people and their stories and I find a little bit of myself in that story. And so that's really what this was all about. So I'd love to kick it off with kind of transitioning from my first dream which by the way, when I heard I had to shave my head to go to the military game over that's how weak I am. That's how weak my constitution is like, Oh, I gotta shave my head and I won't be able to how I think I had someone tell me I couldn't have a radio in my in my dorm for the first year or something like that. I couldn't listen to music and my I have no idea if that was true. But someone knew how to get me not to go cut your hair and you can't listen to music loud. It's like done. I'm not going to the Air Force.

Chris: So, I am to hear tell you that is the soft side of the sale of the Air Force Academy. That's the easy stuff. It's so much harder and it's worth every bit and that's what I tell people. If you if you think It's not worth it flying, the F 16 is fine and F 15 is going supersonic is going into low space is. And those are all small prices to pay. But it's no different than when you became a pilot, right? Pilot Training is hard wherever you do it military or civilian, you're learning new things, you're challenging yourself in new ways. And it, the prize has to be worth it, it has to be internally worth it. And it's about that intrinsic satisfaction. It really is. And we'll talk about this, I'm sure as we go through, as we set goals, if they're ever about title or money. Let's talk about one of those are unfulfilling, in my opinion, and why those are very shallow goals. And I'll talk about it from my perspective of somebody that did that in my wife. But the journey has got to be worth the prize at the end. And sometimes the prize at the end is finding another journey to go on. Because we never make, in my opinion, we never make it where we're going. We always have to be continually learning every single day and growing every single day. Because if you're not, you're going backwards.

Nik: Well now this feeling in my belly might be a little bit of regret for never getting to fly the F 16. So thank you, thank you for that great way to start it out.

Chris: Hey, we always agreed to have honest conversation.

Nik: No, I appreciate it. I'm gonna find a way. I'm gonna find a way even if it's just the best flight simulators I can find. But so yeah, it really kind of starting there. I am curious to understand how your dream unfolded, how that first dream for you was about getting into that airplane.

Chris: You know, you know, I'm passionate about telling the story. I love it. So I'm small town, Alabama boy, my dad was in construction, no military, my family. In my hometown, I went to my I went to my counselor and told her I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy. And if I remember, right, the response is what's that? We're gonna have to figure this out. So you have to go back even further than that. And I'm a little bit older than you. And I will tell you I was greatly influenced by Top Gun and you won't find any air force people that will admit that. Right, we have iron Eagle instead, which we won't talk about.

But Top Gun came out in 1986. I was 14 years old. And as soon as I saw it, I loved it. But that's not what motivated me to the path that I ultimately took and literally drove every ounce of my dedication. It was actually a magazine, it was Popular Mechanics, and one of the reporters had the opportunity to fly in and fit. And the title of his article was like begins at Mach two. And this came out right around the time of Top Gun. But I read this article, and it was not an article about how awesome it is. It was an article about how horrible it is about what it does to your body about how brutal it is on your body, of how he threw up of how he almost passed out of all the demands of fighter pilots body goes through. And I went, I want that. I want to do that. I think that's awesome. I want adrenaline, adrenaline junkie, like most pilots are. And so I took that magazine back in 1986. And I cut the title out. And I took a stick pan and I put it on my court board. And it was the last thing I saw every night before I close my eyes. And the first thing I saw every morning was Life begins at Mach two. And I truly dedicated every waking moment to that journey to becoming a fighter pilot, a combat pilot and instructor pilot. That is all I focused on. I was fortunate in that I had a high school sweetheart, that was awesome. And we were married just after I graduated from the Air Force Academy. We're about to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. But she was also very patient with me. Because I was so focused on that goal. That's all I did. I got up went to work early, I stayed late. If there was ever a flight, I took it to make sure I was ready to go.

So life begins at Mach two. And the first time I went supersonic, it was the first hurdle into that goal of okay, I'm getting there, right, I just hit the speed of sound. Now I got one more month ago. And so that's what I devoted and to translate this out now that I've retired from the Air Force and I work in business. I truly find that we're not special in the military. And we're we're not the only ones that move around like the military makes us do. Because in corporate America, a lot of people in big corporate America move as often as the military people do. There's different things changing as you progress through positions as you go. But my goal remained no matter what I did was like begins at Mach two. And then what sparked our conversation from that keynote is in the opening part of it. I talk about that goal and how important it was to me. And then I show a picture. Remember that picture? I'm flying the F 15. It's looking backwards. You see the crystal blue water of Key West Florida, you see little contrails coming up my wings to telling you I'm pulling really hard on that aircraft and putting a G load on that aircraft. And I took that picture over my shoulder. And I use it to say that was the moment I knew for the rest of my life. I would always remember because it was the moment I achieved my dreams. So, what I had worked for for so many years what I had dedicated every effort to, I finally achieved.

And then you remember the back to your I don't know what's coming. That's not a proud moment. That is not a bragging moment. It's actually one of my low points. It's one of my first traumas. Because when I woke up the next day, and I had been focused on this goal, I didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't know what I was going to focus on, I didn't know what I was aiming for. Because the problem with that picture is it happened when I was 29 years old. And I achieved my life dream at 29. And so for the next three months, I was like a lost puppy, stumbling around the squadron still flying, but all of a sudden, I don't feel the satisfaction I used to get when I was on that journey to climb. It's autopilot. It's a plateau of my body knows how to do this. I just came back from my racking combat, I've been instructor pilot of the year. All those things I shot for, I found that were very shallow. Because it passed the day after I achieved them. It was The what now what next? What am I going to be when I grow up.

And for me, luckily, I have always surrounded myself with incredible mentors. And I had a mentor that pulled me into a room one day and said, What is going on? I haven't seen you like this and your whole career. And I opened up to him, and I said, You know what, I don't know what I want to be when I grew up, and I told him the story. And he goes, you just have to pick the next hurdle that gets you towards success as you define it. Don't define it lightly. Don't define it topical.

But know that each one of these individual successes continue on the journey of your life because it has to be bigger than just your professional life. And he inspired me to go try out for the Thunderbirds. And it was because of his mentorship that I went to be a Thunderbird for the United States Air Force. So that's kind of my journey to bring everybody into what Nick and I have talked about that that inspired our conversations was that I worked really hard for something, I got it. And all of a sudden, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Nik: Do you think it was an is necessary for most people? And again, not not many people achieve their childhood dreams? I think that is a rare circumstance. And in the case that you did, does it feel like it's necessary to have that aimlessness that feeling of being lost on the other side of that so that you can find what the next one is? Or could you have mapped a course farther out in your life?

Chris: That's a great question. And I think it is incredibly necessary. And when you look at whether military are starting out in business life, or whatever you're doing, people always talk about work life balance, right? 5050, whatever you put to work life balance, I agree you need work life balance, but it's not a daily balance. You know what, today I came to work at 4:45am because I have a lot to do. And I'm trying to get caught up on work so that I can actually take a day off with my family tomorrow. Today, it's probably 80% work and 20% family. But guess what tomorrow is it's 100% family and no work. The work life balance has to be a longer term view. And I find that most of us in the first 10 years of our our life first 10 years of our professional life. We work way too much, especially for Type A people like us, we work very, very too hard.

We have to establish ourselves, establish our credibility, but you need to be deliberate after that. And make sure you get back to your family just as hard. So the reason I think it's a necessary goal is it allowed a small town Alabama boy to achieve what I never Well, I was confident it was possible. But now that I'm older and I know what the chances of going to the Air Force Academy are, I know that we only make 3515 pilots a year out of 1100 pilots chosen. It's just an insurmountable odds that it's just so unachievable, that why would you start, you can take that view in the beginning.

Luckily, ignorance is bliss. And it never crossed my mind that I wouldn't make it that I wouldn't get the Air Force Academy that I that I wouldn't fly at fifteens. So that's why I think it goes back to us talking about the academy when we joked at the start. I've been out of Academy quite a few years. And I am proud of what it did for me. I love the US military. I loved every day of my career. And to this day, I still hate every moment I was at the Air Force Academy. It was miserable. There were people yelling at me. I did not enjoy a single moment I was there. But I enjoyed everything it gave me the opportunity to do and I respect the Air Force Academy in that the reason I went is because I was an immature teenager that did not have discipline and I knew that I needed somebody else helped me get it and that's what they gave me.

Nik: So imagining someone else who comes out on the backside of their dream and has that bit of like a it's like a hangover on some level is the way I've experienced that when I come down off of a really amazing moment in my life. Coming into that space, when you imagine someone there what is the piece of advice you'd give to them? When they're in that moment of aimlessness, and again, I think I've heard the stories of astronauts that came back from the moon. And then, you know, they ended up becoming alcoholics, or they ended up going like what's left? What What can you and I'm curious for myself, I hope to someday achieve my dream of playing music in front of 18,000 people in an arena. What's the advice for someone like that on the next day?

Chris: My advice is to define your level of success differently, to define your perception of success completely differently, because when I first started consulting, when I was in the military, people would always say, Well, I'm different at home than I am at work. Bull, that is not true. In my opinion, you are the exact same person 24 hours a day. That means that you can't have personal goals and professional goals, you have to have life goals. So I'll tell you one of the things I did when I was consulting the company, I work for consultant with most of the Fortune 100 companies. And I had the amazing opportunity to sit in the C suite of a lot of these and have conversations and the way I started off those presentations, is I give out a little note card and it has some questions on it, I go, What do you want in life, and 80% of the people would write down success, just the word success. 20% would write something different, but then I would take that and go okay, for the 80% that wrote success. I want everybody to flip it over and write your measurement of success. What makes you successful? What does that mean to you? And I'll tell you, what I found was more than three quarters of those people could not write their definite their personal definition of success. What they would write is what society has taught them what popular readings have taught them what came out in Forbes magazine recently, they write other people's vision of success as a whole as a broad brush, but it's not specific to them. So my goal of flying the F 15. And going supersonic like begins at Mach two, was a very superficial goal. It didn't truly allow me intrinsic satisfaction of my entire life. Because as soon as I achieved it, I wanted more, there's more to life, what am I going to be when I grow up. And so that's what I always challenge people with is write your definition of success. Now, here's the key, I have a worksheet, I give out my presentations. And I say you have to write your definition of success. And I will tell you, I don't share mine, it's very personal. It should be no more than three to five words, three to five words, because words mean things. And it has to apply to every aspect of your life. Not I want to be a fighter pilot in the military, it has to apply when I'm in church on Sunday, when I'm home with my family, when I'm raising my four kids, it has to apply to every waking moment. Because it needs to align with both the success, which is a an effect, and the why?

Because you and I have talked about this, what is your why in life, you have to be able to answer that. And when I wake up in the morning, if I do something during the day, I asked myself, does this align with my why? And if it does, I hard charging? If it doesn't, I have to ask myself, why am I doing it? Why am I devoting my time to it? Because I have to look at the expense of everything I do in my life and expenses, not just the checkbook expenses, your effort, your passion, your time, and we only have so much time in this life. So if it don't align with my wine, everybody has a perfect fit somewhere. Too many people are in an inappropriate job in an inappropriate position and an inappropriate relationship that doesn't align with their wine. We have to have the courage to stand up and go nope, this is my wine life. And I'm going to I'm going to adhere to.

Nik: That's big advice. That's big advice. And I think it's I think it's hard sometimes to know if it's the right way, and you spoke about the fact that you don't really share it. Do you share that with your wife? Do you share that with other people in your life you do share some of the why and some of the life purpose and mission with?

Chris: I do I share it with two people? Because as you know, you've gotten to know me over recent months, I'm very deliberate in everything I do. And I share it with my wife. Because we share everything right? I've been with her since since we were 15 years old. And we're not now for those of you audible listening only I'm a little bit older than that. And I share it with a mentor, my closest mentor, because I need somebody to hold me accountable. I need somebody to challenge me on it. I can't just talk about it with myself. So I have one person and I will tell you I've shared it for the first time with my mentor two months ago, wow. Two months ago, and the reason I shared it with him is it's peer mentorship. I don't find somebody that that is better than me and only going to mentor down I find peer mentors where we connect on a phone call. We're going to challenge each other we're gonna be sounding boards for each other.

And he knows I've always used that I don't share my wine with anybody. I don't share my success with anybody. And the reason I shared it with them is I challenged him that same thing I just gave you three to five words every aspect of your Life. And he called me I was driving down the road one day, and he calls me and he goes, Hey, I want to share it with you. And I want you to poke holes in it. I want you to throw spears at, I want you to help me know why it's not exactly right. Because that's what you'll find. It'll be a paragraph, it'll be a sentence. And you slowly have to challenge every word in it. And he had given me five words. And I immediately challenged it. And I said, Okay, how does this apply with your spouse? How does this apply with your you know, when you're at church, and I shot the questions to him, and he explained how it applied to him. And he goes, okay, there is no way I can make this better. And I sent my challenge to us to cut one word off, and he's like, I can't, it's just debilitating. I can. And I said, Okay, I said, What if I say it this way, and I removed one of the extra words he added, and read it back to him. And he goes, that's why we talk, because we challenge each other. So there's my answer is two people know it. And it's because I have to be held accountable for somebody other than just myself.

Nik: Fantastic. Well, offline, I would love to share with you my mind is six words. And as you were talking, I was half listening, and then half going, like, what's the word I would pull out? I could see it on your face. Yeah, I was just like, Man, I don't know. I think I know the word. I think I know the word. But I would love to share that with you. offline. And yeah, that's a it's a beautiful invitation. It's so you know, I forgot who said it. But he said, If I had more time, I would have written less.

Chris: And and I don't know if I've shared this with you, but survivors obligation. It took us less than six months to write this book for me and my co author. So my co author survived stage four cancer, we share a survivor's obligation. So a short version of that is when you go through trauma, a lot of people that survive have a have a remorse, survivor's remorse, survivor's guilt, and nothing against the people that do but the two of us didn't, we felt an obligation to make it mean something to make every moment mean something to be more intentional with our lives. And it took us six months to write this book, it took us two years to cut it from 400 pages, to the low hundreds, because I'm a fighter pilot, I have a short attention span, anything more than about 120 pages, I lose interest no matter how good it is. So that goes with your theory. I'm sorry, I didn't have time to read your short one. Because it killed us to wait two years. And it killed us to cut some of the sections out. But it made it a good palatable, quick, impactful read, I hope.

Nik: Yeah, I think I share that sentiment with the podcast where in reality, I know, we could talk for hours and hours and go, you know, to our Joe Rogan format. But I'm like, how do we do it in 30 minutes for high achievers that are like I don't have the time nor attention span. So very much. I understand that I appreciate the fact that you guys were able to pare it down. Really, I'll say this too. I mean, this is not puffery, beautiful book. So succinct, and lots of nuggets in there that I just very much connected to. And it that's where a lot of my questions came out of today.

Chris: Well, thank you, I appreciate that. And one other thing I would like to throw out, you know, this, but all of the books, I write all of the books, I partner with other people on the only agreement, and I will tell you, we kicked off our new book last night with a new set of authors. And the first thing I say is, Nobody's allowed to make a penny off the books, there's no profit. Because we're people who serve were people who give. And that allows you to talk about the book without trying to think it's selfish because Joel and I don't care if we sell any more books don't tell my publisher, I said that.

But the reality is, we're only trying to make a difference in people's lives. And it's much more liberating. When you can all profits go to charity, the charity is chosen by the the authors that are contributors and influencers in the books, just like your podcast here. We hopefully you don't mind me sharing this ahead of time. But we start with why are we doing this podcast, which goes back to the power of wine. And the beauty of our connection is we're not trying to sell anything. We're not trying to drive them anywhere. We're just trying to open a conversation that makes you and I better and hopefully inspires other people to have follow on conversations just like you reached out after my keynote. This is what we're building is a is a group of people who peer mentor each other, connect with each other and are comfortable enough. Our new books are called the mentorship mastermind. And we have very clear rules when you come into it. You're it's very private, it's very close hold its military classified, and whatever said in there doesn't go outside the group. Because that's the trust you need. Is that what you and I talked about offline, I will never share it anywhere else. And I trust you the same way.

Nik: I appreciate that. And yeah, it is interesting to talk about this idea of creating content telling stories, sharing these things outwardly in one I do think it's very admirable the way that you're handling the book sales and making pure pure art. To me that's art, right? If it's something that's created just to make something, think Jamie Weil says more true, beautiful or good. I like those words, right? It's just, it's about like, I don't have an agenda. I'm not trying to make you do anything for my own benefit. I really love that. And that's, again, I think, why we connected so well. I'm stepping into this space of, you know, I run a private jet company, and I've been on stage and played a bunch of songs and, you know, spoke other people's words through cover songs when I've played them. What I'm curious about is on the other side of your traumatic experiences, what was there any fear of telling your stories of like, Is this really the thing that anyone wants to hear from? Am I actually helping? Or does it? Is it self serving? When people look at me funny, will I be judged for it? I'm curious to hear your process and that of kind of turning to that place of I'm in service by telling my story, I feel confident and clear that I'm in service,

Chris: That, you see me smile a little bit, because that's a hard one for me to talk about. And I will tell you, the way I related is for those that don't know, I ejected during the Thunderbird Air Show, half second for impact, I'm two and a half inches shorter, I landed in the fireball, there's a million different. That's not possible for me to be standing here. And that's a conversation for another day. But for for almost 15 years, my wife and I didn't talk about. We didn't talk about it at all. Remember, I married my high school sweetheart, we share everything we grew up together, we know everything about each other. And she received a call. And she heard that I was that.

So both of us went to drama with this situation. So the easiest way to deal with it, which I put my disclaimer on do not do this for anybody is we just didn't talk about it. Until it mounted up to the point that what I say is I put all that trauma in a closet. And one day the closet door opened and I couldn't control it coming out. And it was not a pretty sight. It was not I had a rough year dealing with it.

So then, the short version of this story is a friend of mine who's happens to be in the medical field that I went to the Air Force Academy with after it happened, he was in my wedding, he always wanted me to share my story. And I said, you know, easy out, I won't talk about it when I'm active duty Air Force, I'll talk about it when I retire. Because as a young fighter pilot that is so far away, it will never happen in my mind. And when he found out I was retiring, he called me and said, Hey, remember you said you talked about it when you retire. I'm a part of this organization. And we want you to come in and be a speaker. It was actually YPO Young Presidents Organization that you just talked about. And he said, I'm going to I'm going to give you a contract, a legally binding contract, and you're going to sign it and I'm going to sign it. And your wife is going to be included on it to be in the audience.

And I flew out he was at San Antonio, I flew out and met him and his wife, who also went to the Air Force Academy with us. And we talked about the details of this. And I said I had never the first time I ever shared my story was sitting at a hamburger joint in in San Antonio and the three of us were just squalling like babies, it was not a pretty sight of a fighter pilot. Because it was the emotion coming out. So I went home, I told my wife, this is what I'm going to do. And like a good supportive wife. She said, You're crazy. And I wrote the book. And I mean, I wrote the book, I'm I'm a morning person. So I wrote the entire book four to 6am. And it went to the point that the night before publication, it was a Sunday, the night before publication, we killed it. We call the publisher, we call the editor we called our publishing house and said, I think we want to pull it I think we don't want to publish it.

And for anybody that's ever been in that venue, there's a lot of money, time and effort that go into a launch. And it was the most it was more emotional to write and publish the book than it was to survive an objection. Because in the words of my wife, you are about to publish internationally, and go on stage to tell a story that for so many years we didn't even talk about in our house. So basically you're kicking up in the front and back door and inviting everybody in. And so it, it was Trump it. We go through trauma every day. People think of trauma as major things and just like you heard me in my presentation, if you walked away from that presentation thinking it was about being a fighter pilot or ejected from an aircraft. You didn't listen to what I was saying, because that's just what gets you to listen to me. That's just what picture attention so that we can open a conversation.

But publishing the book, The I will tell you the first six months of speaking engagements, I did not allow people to pre buy the book, because I said I couldn't sit in the audience and see this book. I couldn't sit on stage and see this book sitting in the audience and keep it together. Because it still had so much emotion and you saw that in the presentation. I go a different direction with every presentation. Because as I tell my story more and more, I can dive a little bit deeper into the trauma of what me and my family went through of how we're dealing with it. So I had a presentation last week, and during the q&a section, somebody said, Well tell me how you dealt with this. And I said, I'm gonna have to redirect your question, because you said in the past tense, and I'm not dealing with it in the past tense, you deal with trauma every single day, with every waking moment, you deal with a different aspect of it. And the last thing I'll finish with, and you hear this a lot from the post traumatic stress communities, triggers. When we use it with a negative connotation.

You know what my wife knows what my triggers are, and she's helped steer me away from them. She helps protect me from them. But think about it's coming up on the holiday season. And last night, we started making a holiday dinner, and my wife went, it smells like my house when I was a kid. Well, you know what, that's a trigger. It's just a positive trigger. So you have to be aware of both good and bad triggers that take you down these things on the journey. They're surviving trauma of any magnitude.

Nik: So going into the trauma conversation, one of the pieces I really anchored in the book was listening to the or reading the paragraphs about how your wife started to respond to you sharing this stuff, and are having to take time to keep listening and watching you speak about it until she could finally be there with your presentation. And I've, I've heard in my life, people say some things are better left unsaid. And I'm curious after having had to subject yourself through this process of what I now know is healing on the other side of it, but at the time, it may not feel like healing and may feel like poking a wound. What advice would you give to people that do sometimes say just stuff that down, hold it in there, it's better left unsaid because it's not caring to to open that back up.

Chris: So I'll pull on a string that I talked about a little bit earlier. Because fighter pilots pilots in general are incredibly good at compartmentalizing what's going on. Because you want your pilot to be able to put everything else in their life out of that cockpit when they're dealing with something airborne. We're very good at compartmentalizing, it makes us good at what we do. The problem is when we get out of the cockpit, I can still prioritize and compartmentalize in the rest of my life. And that's what my answer was, why we're not dealing with it is I'm just going to lock it away.

But the problem is, the trauma kept growing like a snowball rolling down the hill. And eventually, eventually the door open when I wasn't ready to deal with it. When I was in public. When I had no, I didn't have any armor to deal with it. Because my armor had always been not talking about it. I hadn't built up my strengths of who I relied on who I hugged on who I talked to. And so I'm a firm believer that not talking about it is not the way to deal with it. And one of the hardest things for me was when I like you said, when I said you have to watch the videos, you have to listen to communications, you have to read the book, and I'll tell you, she said I want to be taken out the book. I don't want to be in the book at all, I don't want to talk about it. And I said, our lives are so intertwined that I have no life without you. I can't tell my story without you being in it. Because you are my story. Right.

And it was hard for us because it took us four months before she could even make it through a one minute video. Because every time we started it, we lost. But I will tell you, I have the greatest marriage in the world. I truly believe that. But when we started talking about this, it made it even better. Because it was the only thing that I thought we didn't share with each other that that I thought we were hiding from each other. In the first time I ever talked to her about it. It was it was traumatic for me, because I brought it up to her and her answer was I know, I thought we just didn't talk about it. And for me, that's just amazing when you have somebody you can share everything with. And I mean, I will tell you, I have a service dog. I have a PTSD dog that is with me most of the time. But now not only does my dog help me see my triggers. My wife can openly help me see me go, hey, you need to go talk to your dog, cleverly named sky by the way. I'm not that creative.

Nik: And I had a dog named jet at one point. So I totally get

Chris: It has to take a secure fighter pilot to stand on stage and say I have problems. It also has to take a secure adult to walk in in one of my jobs. I work in a construction company. And when I walk into the construction company with a with a big black female poodle, hey, that really lays it out there of okay, somebody's going to ask why I have a poodle. But it's just it's been life changing for me to be able to share with you to share on stage to share with my wife to grow from it because everybody has trauma.

Everybody has trauma in their life. And not everybody grow is from trauma. So if I could share real quick, what I see is as I start talking about this, first of all, when I get my keynote have one of these, I always have one to two people, if not more reach out and say, I've never told anybody this but and they share with me some life trauma that they've never told anybody about. And that tells me it's worth what I'm doing. Because that's the reason I talk about this. It has nothing to do with me. I'm retired Air Force, I could go sit fishing on the boat go walking on the beach. And, but I don't, because I share my story that is painful for me, because it allows others to share their story that they may not have dealt with. And when you have trauma, you ask yourself three things. Why did it happen? Why did it happen? Now? Why did it happen to me? And if you think about every trauma in your life, you've probably asked yourself some version of those three questions.

But becoming on the other side better than you were before is about embracing it, how you act react in it, the decisions you make in decisions you make in decision is a decision, decide not to deal with it is a decision on how to deal with it. And like, you know, from my story, my problem, what and the why did it happen? Why did it happen? Now? Why did it happen to me? For me, I added a fourth one, and Joel did two of why did I survive? Why was I left here? What am I meant to do? And am I ready for it? Am I on the right path of life? And that's when I develop my why and my success? And and I continually ask myself what I'm going to be when I grew up?

Nik: Do you have a sense of, you know, again, the podcast is called the dream beyond for this reason, once you've achieved the first dream, what is that dream beyond for you? Do you have a sense of that? And is it your why in some way?

Chris: It is exactly my why. Because once you achieve that dream, that is just one stepping stone, it's not the journey to the finish line, that's a stepping stone for you to get to your bigger thing in life, whatever it is. And either you can be deliberate about controlling your life as much as you can and pushing it that direction. Or you can let life react around you and unfold.

You know one of the examples I use in my keynote, and if I could, I'll share it here is I tell everybody that here's the exercise when you wake up tomorrow, I mean give you $86,400. And here's the rules. You have 24 hours to spend at the end of 24 hours you give anything left back to me and the only thing you carry into the next day are the memories and experiences generated from $86,400.

And usually at that point, I have to pause for a minute on the stage because I can see on the faces of everybody in the audience. They're already buying them a boat buying an airplane, right? They're planning out what they're going to do. Okay, very deliberate with every penny. Imagine that. But live the fact that each day has 86,400 seconds. Why are we not just as intentional with every second as we work those pennies. Because there are no do overs there are no redos. There are no carry overs. At the end of the day, you have what you made it. And it's your book to write each and every day.

Nik: So is that the life for you really making making every moment count

Chris: Every moment live intentionally you'll see me hashtag that on everything I post live intentionally. And making a difference. I mean, I hope that you and I had this conversation, it's already made a difference in me. Because you, you took me down a little bit different path of things I don't normally share on a podcast. I hope I've challenged you to think about some things differently. I will tell you my big success from what I've learned today is you came up with your six words that define your why and life. I take that as a big win that I may have influenced that since the first time we talked and I challenge you to do that.

We're also going to hold that thing down to three to five words in the near future since you're willing to buy. But that is the making the difference. Right? Yeah, no matter how much I go out and speak, it impacts the life of one person. It's worth everything I do. Everything I do same thing with you with this podcast. If you're impacted one person out there, one of my favorite authors and speakers and influencers, Jim Hunter, he wrote about servant leadership. And one of the stories he tells I've been with him since 2012. He's a huge mentor in my life, a great human being.

And one of the stories he tells is that you die twice in this life, twice one time when you leave your body, which everybody thinks is the trauma of dying. And the second time is the influence on the earth the last time anybody speaks your name. And before he presented that to me, I had never thought of it that way. If you just hit it, it's heavy. I think about that sometimes, and it's heavy in a negative way.

I'm like, Oh my gosh. Apparently I'm not worried about what I always talk about when you take your last breath. You heard me say that on stage. The real challenge of life every night when you close your eyes. Ask yourself if this was my last day on this earth would I live it the same way or would I live it differently? If you would live it the same way. Do it again tomorrow. If you would live it different differently, fix it tomorrow. Because if you ask yourself that Every night, unfortunately one time, you're gonna be right. But then Jim gave me his version. I'm like, crap, I gotta change everything. Now it goes back into the influence of extending beyond you in this body of you die for the final time, the last time anybody utters your name or your influence?

Nik: Yeah, I mean, I hearing that hearing that what? It's a little bit of freedom, it's a lot of humility to hear that statement, because I think so many of us and it's so prevalent, YPO legacy legacy legacy legacy, what happens when the legacy ends on some level, like what happens when no one even knows you're ever here? That's a big thought. And again, it is a little bit liberating, because like, as you're saying that what I'm thinking is, why do I care so much what people think about this for me, or anything I do? At the end of the day? It's really not that it doesn't matter that much.

Chris: Doesn't matter. It don't matter how many dollars you have in your checking account. Yeah, right. It's about legacy. My wife during COVID, she took a class, she took a class at Yale on the on the definition of happiness. And my wife don't want to take classes, she, you know, she was doing it, because 2020 was a challenging time for all of us.

And the one takeaway She reminds me of all the time is that life is not about dollars, or salary. That money allows you opportunity to generate memories. And that's what it's about. It's about the memories that evolved into the legacy. And, you know, as a parent, I told you, I have four kids, I have a very specific mission with my children, as a dad and my wife, as a mom, and I'll share that with you. Our definition of success with our kids is to give them a higher launching platform than we had. And I don't mean that as a negative against our parents. But that's our stated goal. We talk about them the whole time.

Because once we launch them out of the house, we may still influence them, but but your life is your own. It's not your parents. So as a parent, we just want to give you a higher launching platform than we had. And everything in my life, I am intentional about what is the goal? If you ever sit in the meeting with me, the first thing I'll start off with is why are we here today? And what are we trying to get out of this time together? You have to be intentional in everything. Otherwise, life gets in the way and somebody else writes your book for you?

Nik: Well, I gotta tell you, I often want to land airplanes and get out and go to my destination where you know where I was hoping to be. But in this case, I wish we could stay in flight for the whole time and not have to land this one. It's, again, you're just an endless resource of wisdom and grace in the way you talk about things that I think we're very hard and humility, be in that you could walk around like King Kong and say, you know, I've done more than most, but I really appreciate that you lift others up. And that is your driving force. So thank you for all that you do. And you know, there's a lot, there's a lot to think about it today. For me.

Chris: I appreciate that Nik and I it's been inspirational for me. And for anybody that listens out there, I would encourage you to connect with me on LinkedIn, I run my LinkedIn account, there's not a there's not a machine behind that account. And like you just said, that's the biggest success that I will take away from this is making an impact.

This story is not about me, it's not about you. It's about the people we're influencing. And so reach out and connect with both of us to keep this conversation going. Because that's what we are in the flight of our life. Right. And we have to have these conversations to challenge us to make us better to encourage us to inspire us. Because that's how we're better tomorrow than we are today.

Nik: Yeah, I think my biggest takeaways from this man, I heard a lot of there was a lot of things that I want to touch on real quick just to really anchor and make sure I had it right was I heard this idea of beyond that first dream, which is often for people about external success, and looking and appearing a certain way in the world or whatever that may be for each individual. It's about really having a life goal. It's about having a life goal that it will be with you no matter what you achieve something that can never actually be fully completed. Right? T

here is no moment of achievement. It's about striving towards that thing forever. And I really want to think more about that and get those words honed, and I'm grateful that you'll help me do so at some point because that's it's a big task. The other thing I really heard here was really speaking to that question of that some things are better left unsaid and I think you spoke to it in a beautiful way of it's gonna come out somehow. And it may come out at a time that is even worse than the time if you had at least intentionally dealt with the reality of that situation. And I think that that's a that's a really powerful lesson.

And I think the other big takeaway for me, is, you know, really around that idea of i It's it seems silly to say it this way, but almost not taking oneself so seriously. That idea Have like we're gonna be forgotten at some point, we're gonna die twice. I think that's a really powerful concept if you're going to die twice anyway. So what are you holding on to Exactly? What's the thing that you think is going to happen? If you don't, you know, be a little bit more humble have the humility of like, it's a short ride, it's the 86,400 seconds a day, that is such a powerful concept. And I've been very guilty of being, at times very irresponsible with that. So I really appreciate those. Those are kind of the three big things I really hope everyone takes from that.

And speaking to what Chris said earlier, my hope is that for each person who listen that you think about something that maybe you've been holding on to what's the thing you haven't said, haven't shared that you're in the darkness alone with it? And, you know, again, I've I've been going through this process myself of like, what are those deep traumas or secrets that I've held that have forced me to feel alone, even moving through a crowd, even being around other people, I can feel very alone at a table full of other people if I'm not being authentic. So Chris, thank you for inspiring that. And, you know, Chris, you shared before as a call to action. That really, this is, most importantly, about one little nugget for each person, whatever that is, whatever you heard here, that inspired action in some way. And in fact, Chris, I'll invite you to say it the way you said it, because it was just so beautifully stated, as you know, what do you hope for all the listeners?

Chris: So thanks, first, Thanks, Nik, for all of our conversations, but I've had a blast with this one today. And as we get to that call of action, I would like to share one more thing from my wife. When I talked about the night before publication, we almost pulled the plug. And her words to me was what guides me in all of this. Because I was worried people are always going to pick your story apart, people are only going to throw spears at your story. Right? Nothing, nothing is not subject to public opinion out there. And I was worried about my story being treated like fact of, well, nope, this is court of law, this don't work. And what she shared with me that made us go forward with publication is this is not how the world is. The stories we talked about are not the facts, as the entire world sees them. This is my perception of drama. This is how it impacted my family. Your story is your perception of life. And that's the reason I taught with very deliberate words.

I never say what you told me was always say what I heard was, and she said, No matter whatever happens, it's your story and your perception. And nobody can say you're wrong about your perception. And that's what allowed us to push forward. And as we did talk about call to action before we before we started this here today, and I go back to this isn't about me, and it's not about Nick, today is not about us, it's about each of you. And our call to action for you is to find what parts of this either inspire you to do more to do something differently. Or let us know how you think we're wrong, detect that conversation in a different way. But we want each person live in today that listens to this to improve some aspect of their life to relook some aspect of their life. And it goes back to the goal of be better tomorrow than you are today. And if we achieve that call to action, already feel personal satisfaction out of their time together. And I hope that all of you guys grow from this as well.

Nik: Awesome. I couldn't say it better. So I just want to thank you for your friendship, more than anything and thank you for sharing today. And yeah, happy, happy holiday season as we as we come into this over the next couple of weeks. Thanks. Thank you for listening to the dream beyond. I hope that you received whatever message or inspiration you were meant to get from today's episode. I had a great time recording it for you. If you love the show, please take 30 seconds to subscribe rate and review. It really helps get the word out. And if you want to connect with me, you can find me at:

instagram.com/nik Tarascio

linkedin.com/in/nik Tarascio

youtube.com/n Tarascio

Listen on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

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funkopersonal · 5 months ago

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Here's your daily reminder that...

Jews are only 0.2% of the worlds population but...

Jews make up 14% of the World Total and 38% of the United States of America total winners for the Nobel Prize for Literature (source).

Of the 965 individual recipients of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences between 1901 and 2023, at least 214 have been Jews or people with at least one Jewish parent, representing 22% of all recipients. (source)

Jews make up 14% of the total winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 18% of the total winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; 53% of the total winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction (source).

Jews make up 39% of the total winners of the Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for Best Play; 54% of the total winners of the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (with 62% of all Composers and 66% of all Lyricists of Best Musical-winning productions being Jewish) (source).

Jews make up 40% of the total winners of the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Original Screenplay; and 34% of the total winners of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (source).

Although Jews constitute only 3% of the U.S. population...

80% of the nation’s professional comedians are Jewish (source).

90% of American comic book creators are jewish (source)

38% of the recipients of the United States National Medal of Science are Jewish (Source).

Jews are very successful, with educational levels higher than all other U.S. ethnic groups with the exception of Asian Americans, and income levels the highest of all groups. Six out of ten Jewish adults have college degrees, and 41% of Jewish families report a household income of $75,000 or more” (source)

Jews are a minority across the globe. We've been historically opressed and hated. But these key figures from history are all Jewish and loved, yet many don't even know they're jewish (or they don't know these people in the first place!):

Stan Lee (birth name: Stanley Martin Lieber) - An American comic book writer and editor, Former executive vice president and publisher of marvel Comics, creator of iron-man, spider-man, and more.

Albert Einstein - a Theoretical physicist, Received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics, developed the theory of relativity and the "worlds most famous equation" (E = mc^2), and more.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, co-authored the initial law school casebook on sex discrimination, co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU in 1972, and more.

Jack Kirby (birth name: Jacob Kurtzberg) - an American comic book artist, co-creator of Captain America, one of the most influential comic book artists

Harry Houdini (birth name: Erich Weisz) - a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts.

Emma Lazarus - An American author remembered for her sonnet "The New Colossus," Inspired by The Statue of Liberty and inscribed on its pedestal as of 1903.

Julius Rosenthal, Lillian Wald, Rabbi Emil G. Hirsch, Stephen Wise, and Henry Moskowitz - Jewish activists that helped form the NAACP along with W.E.B. Dubois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell.

Mark Zuckerberg - Founder and CEO of Meta, a businessman who co-founded the social media service Facebook, and within four years became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire Harvard alumni.

Joseph Pulitzer - a politician and newspaper publisher, his endowment to the Columbia University established the Pulitzer Prizes in 1917, he founded the Columbia School of Journalism which opened in 1912.

Jacob William Davis - a Latvian tailor who is credited with inventing modern jeans and who worked with Levi Strauss to patent and mass-produce them, died.

Irving Berlin - drafted at age 30 to write morale-boosting songs for military revues (including “God Bless America”). Many Berlin songs remained popular for decades, including “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better),” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and two celebrating Christian holidays: “White Christmas” and “Easter Parade.”

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel - received his doctorate in Berlin. He was arrested by the Nazis in 1938, moved to the U.S. in 1940, and became an influential figure in the 1960s, marching with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama, and speaking out against the Vietnam War.

Elie Wiesel - Romanian-American writer and professor, holocaust survivor, nobel laureate, political activist. Authored 57 books including Night, a work based on his experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps

Bob Dylan - an icon of folk, rock and protest music, won the Nobel Prize in literature for his complex and poetic lyrics.

J. Robert Oppenheimer - ran the Manhattan Project, considered the "father of the atomic Bomb," presented with the Enrico Fermi Award by President Lyndon Johnson.

Betty Friedan - co-founded the National Organization of Women and became its first president, wrote The Feminine Mystique (1963) and helped spark the second wave of feminism.

Gloria Steinem - one of the most prominent feminists of all time, launched Ms. Magazine and co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus with Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, Betty Friedan and Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Medgar Evers.

Sergey Brin - an American businessman best known for co-founding Google with Larry Page, president of Alphabet Inc.

Judith Heumann - a founder of the disability rights movement, led a 26-day sit-in at a federal building in San Francisco. The protest spurred implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Larry Kramer - co-founded Gay Men’s Health Crisis in response to the AIDS epidemic but was soon ousted over his confrontational activism. He went on to help launch a more strident group, ACT UP, and wrote a critically acclaimed play, The Normal Heart, about the early AIDS years in New York City.

Steven Spielberg - released his critically acclaimed epic film Schindler’s List, based on the true story of a German industrialist who saved Jews during the Holocaust. The movie won seven Oscars and led Spielberg to launch the Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California, which filmed interviews with 52,000 survivors of the Holocaust and genocides in Nanjing and Rwanda.

Calvin Klein - made designer jeans and the infamous ad starring Brooke Shields revolutionized the fashion industry, sold his company to Phillips-Van Heusen (now PVH) for $430 million. Klein was the first designer to win three consecutive Coty Awards for womenswear.

Daveed Diggs - an American actor, rapper, and singer-songwriter. he originated the dual roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the musical Hamilton, for which he won a 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Along with the main cast of Hamilton, he was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in the same year.

And so much more. (a pretty decent list is available here)

Not only that, but the following are all Jewish inventions...

The Teddy Bear - made by Morris and Rose Michtom in honor of Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

The Ballpoint Pen - *the first commercially sucessfull ballpoint pen was made by Lazlo Biro, a Hungarian-Jew, and his brother.

Mobile Phones - made by Martin Cooper, nicknamed the "father of the cellphone", and was born in Chicago to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants.

The Barbie - made by Ruth Marianna Handler, born to Polish-Jewish immigrants.

Power Rangers - made by Haim Saban, a Jewish-Egyptian

Video Games - made by Ralph Baer, a German-Jew

Peeps - made by Sam Born, a Russian-Jewish immigrants who came to the United States in 1909.

Cards Against Humanity - created by a group of Jewish boys from the same high school

Many Superheroes including Superman, Ironman, spider-man, batman, and more!

and more! (an illustrated list available here.)

Conclusion: If you're Jewish, be proud. You come from a long line of successful people. No matter what happened to them, Jews persevered, and they strived for sucess. Be proud of your culture, your history, these are your people. You're Jewish.

(feel free to reblog and add more, or just comment and i'll add it!)

Last Updated: June 25, 1:35 AM EST

#funkowrites #jumblr #jewblr #jewish tumblr #israel solidarity #judaism #jewish #antisemitism #stop antisemitism #op is a proud jew #proud to be jewish #jewish joy #jewish positivity #jew #proud jew #we will persevere

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phoward89 · 7 months ago

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Based on this ask

WARNING ⚠️ Coriolanus Snow is his own warning in and of itself. Cussing, obsession, masterbation (m & f), p in v (alluded to), Dark!Coriolanus, Young Politician!Coriolanus, Secretary!Reader

This one got away from me so it's a bit long. Whoops...

You're at your desk, logging into your computer to start the day whenever the door to the office opens and in walks your boss. Senator Coriolanus Snow. One of the youngest Head Gamemakers and Senators in the history of Panem. He's only 24 years old and he's already so successful.

Crazy, right?

Your older brother was in the same graduating class as him at the Academy. Rein was a slacker that wasn't in the top 24 while Coryo- uh Coriolanus- was the top student, won the Plinth prize, and even did a short stint as a Peacekeeper to serve the greater good of the country (like his father General Crassus Snow did before him) before attending the University as a double major in Political Science and Military Strategies. Oh and while attending the University he interned under Dr. Gaul, became an Assistant Gamemaker, and even became the Head Gamemaker himself when Dr. Gaul died in a tragic lab accident involving her mutts.

And he did all of that by age 20.

Age 20!

After graduating from the Academy, Rein was shoved into the Peacekeepers by your father, retired Colonel Javanis Halvir. Your brother was sent to 8 and he complained in all of his letters about it. Once he was eligible to take the Officer's Aptitude Exam, your father had ordered him to sign up. So, Rein took the test and became an officer. He got assigned to PK Base D-12.

And that's what your older brother accomplished by 20. Oh and he also knocked up a local barmaid from the Hobb, causing your father to have a stroke. Your mother found it very comical.

And then both of your parents told you that you needed to redeem the family name, blah blah blah, and pushed you to be the top student in the Academy. So, of course you ended up in the top 24. And you mentored a tribute, a 17 year old boy from 7, that won. He was very proficient with an ax. You didn't have to do too much mentoring, he basically just hacked everybody to bits…

But you still won the Plinth Prize anyways. And during the ceremony for the prize, instead of Strabo Plinth handing you over the Plinth Prize it was his heir instead.

Head Gamemaker Coriolanus Snow.

After handing you the prize he had asked you to have a glass of posca with him, causing your mother to glare angrily at the interaction. Your father on the other hand was ecstatic that Coryo-uh Coriolanus- wanted to talk to you. He served under General Snow in 12; thought that Coriolanus was a man cut from the same cloth as his father.

Anyways, once you and Coriolanus Snow got to talking he admitted that he was going into politics and would need a personal secretary; an assistant per say to help him with his day to day tasks such as scheduling meetings, etc. and much to your surprise, he offered you the job.

That was a couple of years ago.

So, yes, that's how you got your job. And you really liked your job. It wasn't that hard to do plus it made you feel important that such an accomplished and powerful man trusted you to manage his life.

If you only knew that Coriolanus, who's been insisting that you call him Coryo for roughly a year now, has been lusting after you since he saw you in a cute dress that hugged your body just right when he presented you the Plinth Prize 2 years ago. Also, your boss is a dark soul. A cold man. But he does have a soft spot for you.

And only for you.

Which is why he greets you with a wide, manic smile that makes the corners of his baby blues crinkle. “Good morning, Y/N.” The platinum blonde senator says while crossing the room, heading to your desk.

“Good morning, Senator Snow.” You politely smile, pulling up the excel document in order to print out the day's schedule for your boss. And talk about your boss, he's holding a bouquet of white roses in one hand and a tray of coffee along with a pastry bag in the other as he stops at your desk.

Coriolanus sets everything down, only to grab the vase on the corner of your desk and bring it over to the trash. All the while saying, “I brought you some fresh roses, courtesy of Grandma’am’s rooftop garden, to replace the wilted ones on your desk.”

The blonde politician did that every Monday for you. He brought fresh flowers for your office vase. A vase he gifted you for your one year work anniversary last year.

Dumping the contents of the vase out in the trash can, Coriolanus gestured to the coffees and brown paper bag on your desk, only to explain, “The barista at the coffee shop got my order wrong, so I had to do a second order, but since I already paid for the wrong order I figured I'd give it to you.”

“Oh, thank you, Coriolanus, Sir.” You simply smiled, grateful for the free coffee. You were going to put a pot on in the break room as soon as you printed out Snow's schedule, but getting an unexpected cup of coffee’s always nice.

Perhaps you'll pay it forward and treat him to coffee tomorrow. The gods know that you have his coffee order memorized.

It's black, just like his soul, with a couple of sugar packets. Not Splenda, not Sweet ‘n’ Low, not Truvia, but real sugar made from sugar cane grown down in 11. Oh and he always has a chocolate filled croissant too.

You also know his afternoon tea order by heart along with his dinner orders from a handful of takeout places he prefers. Hell, you even know his liquor order for after hours meetings. But it's your duty to know those things since, after all, you're his personal secretary.

Literally his right hand woman.

“Darling, how many times have I told you to, please, call me Coryo.” Your boss shook his head at you while bringing the empty vase to the nearby bathroom to fill up with water.

It must've been at least a hundred times by now, maybe more. But it felt weird to you calling your boss such a personal sounding nickname. You're both professional adults, if you call him by his name it should be Coriolanus. If not then you'll just refer to him as his title, since he's your boss.

“You know I can't call you Coryo, Coriolanus. It's not proper; you're my boss.” You remind the senator, who's dressed to the nines today in a perfectly tailored three piece black suit- complete with a white dress shirt and striped tie, as he walks out of the bathroom and back into your foyer office with the filled up vase in hand.

A vase that looked dwarfed by his large grip. “We've known each other for a couple of years now, darling. I'd like to think of us as being on friendly terms, wouldn't you?” Coriolanus asked, placing the vase down on your desk and arranging the flowers in them for you.

You clicked the print button on your computer, only to swivel your chair around to reach the ink jet printer behind you. “Yes, we're friendly, but you're still my boss.”

“And as your boss I'm now ordering you to call me Coryo.” He told you, pulling out the coffee that was yours, due to error, and setting it on your desk while you watched the printer spit out the paper with his daily schedule on it.

“Fine, I'll call you Coryo.” You gave in, grabbing the paper and swiveling back around to face your him.

“I got two croissants since I had to get my order remade, so it looks like you'll be getting one this morning, darling.” Coryo told you, opening up the paper bag and pulling out a pastry. He grabbed a napkin that was stuffed into the drink carrier and put it on your desk, next to your coffee, before depositing your croissant on it.

“Thank you.” You simply smile. Handing him over his schedule, you announce, “Here's your schedule for today.”

The platinum blonde gives you a closed lip smile and nods before stretching his hand out for the paper. “You've got a dinner meeting tonight at 7 o’clock sharp with a political sponsor.” You reminded him, your fingertips brushing, while he grabs the outstretched paper from you.

Briefly glancing over the paper in his hand, he asked, “Would you like to go with me?”

“What?”

“Dinner at 7 o’clock sharp. Would you like to go with me?”

Shaking your head, you politely decline his offer. “Oh no, I'm sorry, Coryo, Sir, but I can't go.”

“Why not? Got a boyfriend or something occupying your time?” The senator sharply asks, his baritone heavy with a tingle of jealousy.

Coriolanus prayed to every God he never believed in that you're single. If not, well he's going to go whack some unlucky bastard to free you up to be his girl. He's decided that he's tired of pinning over you; stalking you.

Coryo's ready to take things to the next level. He's ready to fucking corrupt you; make you his forever. He's going to be announcing his bid for the presidential runoff, the first step in becoming one of two candidates to face off for the presidency, and it's time for him to get into a relationship.

A public relationship.

And you're perfect for that. Coriolanus knows, without a doubt, that you'll make a perfect First Lady. That your beauty and slight innocence will be the perfect contrast to his cold, stoic, but regal stature. That you're a perfect fit for him.

Plus he's getting tired of paying for whores. Whores that he has to keep disposing of so that they can't blackmail him about his sexual appetite. Coriolanus prides himself of being from one of the founding families of Panem, from the Old Guard. He even runs on the Old Guard ticket; he can't have some disgruntled whore tarnishing his reputation.

It'd be much cheaper and easier to just get you into bed; fuck you in all the ways that he likes.

But he also has a soft spot for you. Coryo likes you. Okay, that's a lie. He's obsessed with you in such a dark, sick way that if he sees a man smile at you or get too close to you then he's killing that man. Yea, Senator Snow’s in love with you, or at least in his head he's in love with you.

It's more like an obsession.

“No.” You shook your head. “I don't have a boyfriend.” Well, you had an on-again, off-again thing going on with your neighbor across the hall from you, but since it's currently off Coryo doesn't need to know about that.

Coriolanus swore that he heard the heavens singing hymns upon hearing that you're single. Yes, now’s the perfect time for him to make you his.

“Then I'll have my driver pick you up for dinner tonight. Wear something nice.”

Once again, you decline him invitation. “You're my boss, I'm sorry, but I can't go with you tonight.”

Usually Coriolanus appreciates your professionalism and dedication to your job, but right now he loathes it. Why can't you just accept that he's taking you to his dinner meeting tonight. That he's showing you off on his arm for the entire Capitol to see.

Leaning against your desk, he gives you a piercing look with his icy eyes and tells you, “It's a very important business dinner with a political sponsor, Y/N, and you're my assistant.” A calculating look crosses the politician's face as he adds in, “It's actually, you might say, very vital that you attend dinner with me tonight.”

Well…

When he puts it that way.

“Okay, I'll go to dinner with you tonight.” You relent, causing a smug grin to appear on Coryo's face.

“Good.” Coryo grins, making his face light up like sunshine, as he grabs his coffee and pastry bag. “Since dinner's at 7, I'll have my driver pick you up at 6:45. That'll leave a 15 minute window to get to the restaurant.” The platinum blonde told you the plan before pivoting on his heel and striding over to his office. Pausing at his door, with his large hand hovering over the knob, he looked over his shoulder and told you, “Wear either a red or black dress, but preferably red.”, before opening up the door and disappearing inside of his office.

Oh, how did you get into this mess?

Coriolanus sat at his mahogany desk, going over documents for various bills that he could either sponsor or just straight up deny. Honestly, most of the shit that got dumped on his desk he denied. If it didn't pertain to the Capitol and the Capitolites then he just shoved the document in his shredder and made a note to vote no, well in the Senate it was ‘nah’, on it.

And Senator Snow was notorious for voting nah on everything.

As he sat in his office going over mindless matters, he couldn't help but wonder about what you'd look like all dolled up for dinner tonight. He knew that you had a few nice cocktail dresses to pick from, but the mystery of whether you'd listen to him and wear something black or preferably red versus another color altogether made his head spin a mile a minute. He hopes that you're a good little secretary and listen to him about the dress.

But what he really can't help fantasizing about is what you'll be wearing underneath your dress. He can't help picturing you in a bra and panty set that hugs your body in the right ways. The senator's daydreaming about delicate lace molded against your most private parts, that are hidden away only for your lover to see.

And just thinking about becoming your lover, stripping you out of not just your dress, but your soft, delicate lingerie has his pants growing tighter. So tight, in fact, that it was downright uncomfortable.

Letting out a barely audible groan, the platinum blonde stood up from his desk and went over to his door. For just a moment, he leaned his forehead against it and debated on whether or not to call you into his office; have you on your knees underneath his desk for him. But then he decided against it; locked his door instead and went over to his desk chair to take care of himself.

You're not some district whore, you deserve to be properly wined and dined first before he has you on your knees for him- choking on his cock with tears and mascara messily running down your cheeks.

Oh, just the thought of you with your pretty mouth around his large cock had said cock twitching in his pants.

Quickly, Coriolanus makes his way over to the small sofa that's in the corner of his office. He makes quick work of undoing his belt, only to tug his pants and boxer briefs down just enough for his cock to spring free before sitting on the sofa. Spitting in his hand, he leans back into the sofa and wraps his large hand around his cock.

He feels his dick throbbing angrily in his cold hand while sliding his thumb over his tip’s leaky slit. The platinum blonde bites back a moan, and closes his eyes- pretending that it's your hand wrapped around his shaft and your thumb teasing his cockhead. Fuck, how he craves your touch. Using his thumb to spread precum over his tip and down the length of his dick, he started to move his fist up and down in measured glides.

Coriolanus knows he should just rub one out as quick as possible since he's at work, but the fact that you- the object of all his fantasies- is right outside won't let him. Being in such close proximity to you feeds his fantasies and he has to have a proper handjob session.

Coriolanus has to indulge in the make believe notion that you're the one pumping his cock up and down, twisting your wrist slightly every now and then. That it's you playing with his cum heavy balls, making his toes curl in his socks and black floor shines, as the fist around his cock starts to slightly pick up pace.

Gods, he's getting lost in his fantasy of you pleasuring him with your hands, hell even your mouth- that he's sure will be aching from his cock unhinging your jaw when you suck him off- that the loud ringing of his office phone startles him.

“Goddamnit! Can't I fuck my fist in peace?” Coriolanus grumbled.

He's angry that his fantasy was broken; that he has to fist his cock faster than he wanted to.

The phone continued to ring off the hook as he furiously moved his hand up and down his dick. He bit his lip and bucked his hips, spurting his cum into his left hand. The one that he was using on his balls before the damn phone started ringing like crazy.

Letting out an aggravated sigh, he grabbed a few tissues from the box on the side table next to him and wiped off his hand. Standing up to right his boxer briefs and pants, he heard your heels echo down the hall. Great, just great, now you're on your way to his office because the phone’s ringing off the hook.

Quickly, Coriolanus tosses the tissues into the wastebin. Rushing to his desk, he grabs the phone, only to slam it down. Hard.

Hey, he made the excessive ringing stop. Whoever called should just stick to the after 3 rings, hang up and try again later rule. Coriolanus has more important things to do than listen to a phone ring endlessly.

More important things: like jacking off to daydreams and fantasies about his secretary.

His secretary that's knocking on his door and asking him if he's alright.

“I'm fine, my darling.” Coriolanus called out to you while crossing his office. He unlocked his door and opened it, only to give you a manipulative smile while feeding you the bullshit lie of, “I just zoned out reading a grant proposal and didn't realize the phone was ringing.”

“Are you sure you're alright?” You asked, only to follow it up with the offer of, “I can always read some of those grant proposals and take notes on them for you, if you want. That way you won't get so bored to death reading them that you miss important phone calls.”

“You'd do that, for me?” Coriolanus asked, feeling a bit touched by your offer. Oh, how he thinks you're an absolute sweetheart.

A perfect angel sent to him from the Lord above. And he's your golden angel too.

Lucifer, that is.

“Of course, Coryo. It's my job to help you with paperwork.”

And before another word could be shared between you two, his phone started ringing. Again.

“Oh, I'll leave you to your call. Just put whatever you want me to read for you on my desk later.”

“I will, darling.” Coriolanus smiles at you, watching you walk away before closing his door.

Storming over to his phone, he sees that the video option light is blinking. Sitting down, he answered the phone and pressed the button to turn on his video call screen. As soon as the face of the half-assed idiot that was one of the Junior Gamemakers appeared on the screen he immediately felt a migraine coming on.

“Senator Snow, are you neglecting Head Gamemaker duties in favor of politics? You never answered my call.” The redhead man with a bad combover had the audacity to tell his boss via the phone screen.

Poor soul must not value his life…

“There’s 3 fucking months before the games, that I'm designing, so there's no damn reason for you to call me and let the phone ring off the hook. Are you incompetent? If you had the common sense that God gave a mule the. You'd know I was busy with other matters and couldn't answer your ridiculous call.” Coriolanus seethed in a long winded rant. His veins were protruding from his pale neck; a red vein was angrily popping in his forehead too. But it was his eyes that held so much hate in their icy orbs.

The man on the phone screen, despite being a few years older then Senator Snow, was a complete incompetent idiot in Coriolanus' opinion. Age certainly didn't make him any wiser.

“I'm a very busy man; next time you pester me I'll have you thrown into a tank full of rabid mutts.” Coriolanus promised the Junior Gamemaker before hanging up, hard, on him.

Coriolanus pinches the bridge of his nose and slumps into his overstuffed leather office chair. Letting out a heavy sigh, he rubs his temples and tries to calm down by daydreaming about dinner with you tonight.

Your day went on as it usually does. You took calls and made appointments for Senator Snow. You also read and typed up some cliff notes for a few bills that Coryo left for you before he took off for lunch. He didn't say where he was going and you didn't ask.

When he came back from a power lunch, you knew he went somewhere for drinks cause you could smell a hint of whiskey radiating from his pores, he greeted you with a simple thin lipped smile and placed a container of food on your desk. He didn't tell you to take your lunch break, but the way he wordlessly moved his baby blues between you and the doggie bag he just dumped on your desk was more than enough to give you a hint that he wanted you to eat. So, you simply thanked him, before handing him some notes and taking the food he got you to the break room.

After lunch, the remainder of your day was mundane. Or at least it was until Coryo emerged from his office and strutted over to your desk. You didn't pay him any mind, figuring that he prolly just wanted the other bills back along with the notes you just finished up on them. So, when he perches himself on the corner of your desk, all the while suggesting, “Darling, why don't you leave early. You can pamper yourself with, say, a rosewater bubble bath before tonight's dinner. Yea?”, you're taken aback.

You're in total shock.

Your nose scrunched up, reminding Coriolanus of a little bunny rabbit, as you asked incredulously, “Excuse me, Senator Snow? You're sending me home early?” Softly, you trailed off, “To take a bubble bath…”, while tilting up a baffled arched eyebrow.

“A rosewater bubble bath.” The regal platinum man corrected with a long finger high up in the air. Leaning slightly, so that he towers over you as you sit behind your desk (and gets a nice little peek down your v-neck blouse at your modest cleavage), he tells you, “You're such a dedicated employee; I think you deserve to go home early and pamper yourself before I drag you out to a dinner with my potential political sponsor.”

And what he wasn't telling you was that Mr. Feathersworth was bringing his mistress along. Oh yea… So, technically, it's a couples dinner.

Really? He wants you to relax and pamper yourself before a dinner full of political talk? Wow. You weren't expecting that from your boss.

“My bath and beauty products are actually rose-vanilla scented, Coryo, not rosewater.” You told him, before you could even think better of it.

A smirk appears on Coryo's face and desire briefly flashed in his cerulean eyes. The imposing man favored roses; in fact it was his signature, so that fact that you used rose-vanilla scented bath and beauty products had his cold, black heart beating with warmth, life, and daresay love for you.

“Darling, you deserve to pamper yourself in that rose-vanilla bubble bath. We'll be in for quite a long evening; you don't want to be tense beforehand, now so you?”

Well…

When he puts it that way.

Sighing slightly, you gave in with, “Fine, I'll leave early and pamper myself with a bubble bath.”

“Rose-vanilla bubble bath.” Coriolanus corrected with a ghost of a smile tracing his lush lips. Patting your cheek, he tells you, “Go ahead and go, darling. I'll be fine here for a few more hours.”, before pushing himself off of your desk.

“Thank you. I'll see you later for that political dinner.” You genuinely smiled, grabbing your bag out from under your desk and shouldering it before standing up.

“Remember, my driver will be by at 6:45 sharp.”

“Oh, that's right. You need-” You began, intending to give Senator Snow your address, only to be cut off by a raised hand. “I have your address in my employee files, Y/N.” His baritone hung thickly in the air like honey stuck on a honeycomb; slowly dripping down, as he ordered, “Go home and pamper yourself; get all dolled up in something red, my darling rose.”

As you sat neck deep in your tub, surrounded by bubbles, thoughts of your boss floated around your head. You never really thought much about him, or at least you didn't til now. Yes, you always thought that he was easy on the eyes- platinum hair (you always secretly wondered if the carpet matches the drapes), striking crystal blue eyes, a prominent nose, sharp jawline, tall and lanky build. But you never truly fixated your attention on his looks, or at least until now that is.

You can't explain it, but the interaction you had with him before leaving the office had your blood racing. You're flustered with dirty thoughts. Things that you've never truly let yourself imagine about Senator Coriolanus Snow.

But now…

Well, now you find yourself closing your eyes and thinking about your boss while relaxing in your bath; trailing hand over your breasts while your other hand’s rubbing your clit; dipping two fingers in and out of your pussy.

It's best to get this out of your system now, before you're stuck going to dinner with him tonight.

“Coriolanus, I was expecting your driver to pick me up.” You gasp, hand tightly gripping the doorknob of your open door, as you're shocked by the sight of the tall platinum blonde standing in front of you- dressed impeccably in a deep crimson suit with a single red rose in his hand.

“Bentley drove me here.” Coriolanus informed you. “Now, what sort of gentleman would I be if I didn't walk up to your door to get you our dinner date?” He smirks, offering you the rose.

Your eyes widen at his words. “Dinner date…but I thought this was a professional dinner with a potential political backer, Senator Snow.” You tell him as you shakily take the offered rose from his large, outstretched hand.

“Yes, well, my darling, Mr. Feathersworth informed me that he's bringing along his mistress to Mizuna’s so I don't see why we can't mix some business with pleasure as well.”

Before you could utter a word, the door right across the hall and behind Coriolanus opened; out walked your on-off neighbor ex. Bastard was dressed like he's going out somewhere (or going out with someone). His sea-green eyes look over at you and lock Coriolanus back a bit curiously: portraying that he can't believe you're all dolled up and going out with someone so regal looking.

Deciding that you didn't like the look on your ex’s face, you put your hand on Coriolanus' label and press a quick kiss to his lips before telling him, “Let me put up this rose, Coryo, and then you can take me on our date.”

Coryo grabbed your face in one of his hands and kissed you again, this time his lips searing and hungry, before running his hand over your cheekbone and darkly smirking, “You can just take it along with us, darling. I'm taking you home with me tonight; it'd be such a shame for you to leave your rose alone on a side table all night.”

“You're taking me home with you?” You asked, finding this information entirely new to you.

At least your bronze haired ex wasn't standing behind Coryo; gawking at you anymore.

Pulling you out of your apartment and locking your doorknob, only to slam the door shut, he bluntly tells you, “I’d be a fool not to, Y/N, and, frankly, I'm anything, but a fool.” Coryo smoothly tell you while leading you down the hallway; towards the elevator bank.

And of course when you reach the elevator your ex is just stepping into it. Great, now you're going to be riding in an elevator with your on-off neighbor ex and your boss/sudden new fling.

Oh boy…

“After you, darling.” Coryo sweetly tells you, guiding you into the metal box while following right behind you.

You feel your ex’s eyes on you, burning a hole into the side of your face, as Coriolanus hits the buttons to both close the door and go to the lobby.

“Should've known you'd be cozy with Senator Snow, considering you're his personal secretary.” Flew out of your ex’s mouth as soon as he saw Coryo's large hand come to rest on the small of your back.

“Odysseus…” You chastise, nearly hissing at him.

Coriolanus snapped his head around so fast, it was as if it was going to spin off exorcist style, and narrowed his eyes at the bronze haired man next to you. “I can have you turned into an Avox for slander against Miss Y/N, so I’d mind that useless tongue of yours if I were you.”

“Coryo, calm down. My neighbor-”

“Ex” Odysseus supplied at the same time you uttered the word neighbor, causing Coriolanus’ face to turn into hardened stone.

“She doesn't belong to you anymore, Odysseus. My darling seems to have gotten tired of settling for beans and has upgraded to the filet mignon.” The senator told your ex in a smooth, but eerily cold tone. “You ought to consider yourself lucky that I won't be calling for your tongue, but I'm sure I'm we can agree to you not bothering my sweet girl anymore, can't we, Mister-”

“Odair. Name's Odysseus Odair, Senator Snow.” Your ex shot out, his voice fake and sugary, as he played with fire.

Snow melts, but fish fry. And unfortunately for Odysseus Odair he'd learn that the hard way after Senator Coriolanus Snow gets him exhiled to District 4 for the crimes of slander. Coriolanus' cold ass gives Poseidon Odair, Odysseus’ father, an ultimatum- either sign over his assets, investments, and company over to him and go into exhiled on 4 with his son or his son would be turned into an Avox for slander against you, the senator's personal secretary and girlfriend.

Coriolanus Snow was a cold ass to everyone except for you. Something that you'd come to discover in time. But right now it's not important.

No, right now what's important is keeping the senator from tearing your ex apart limb by limb.

Sensing that Coryo was starting to unravel (something that you've never seen and, frankly, didn't want to) you rubbed his shoulder while telling him, “Coryo, please, just let it go. You don't want to be in a bad mood before dinner with your political backer, do you?”

Coriolanus’ jaw twitched for a moment before he gave you a slight smile, “Of course, darling.”

Odysseus found Senator Snow's demanear changing into sweet and loving for you at the drop of a hat very alarming. Honestly, he thought it was downright scary that Snow went from menacing one minute to practically cooing at you the next.

As soon as the elevator came to a stop and the doors dinged open, your ex practically ran out of them. It made Coryo chuckle.

You and Coryo walked out of the elevator together, only to cross the lobby and head out of the building towards his car. His driver, Bentley, was standing by the black luxury sedan that was parked in front of the curb. Upon seeing you with the senator, he quickly opened the back door. You thanked him and let Coryo help you into the backseat.

“Oh, darling, I'm so sorry for not telling you earlier, but you look truly beautiful in your red dress.” Coryo told you, once he was settled in the back seat next to you.

“Thank you, Coryo. You look handsome yourself.” You replied with a smile as the driver took his place behind the wheel and pull the car away from your building.

“And tonight we'll make quite the debate as a stunning political couple.” The platinum blonde confidently told you as you rode to the high end restaurant the meeting with major political endorser Mr. Feathersworth, and his mistress, was taking place at.

Tonight is only the first of many spent at Coryo's side. It's safe to say that you're Senator Snow's darling sectary; that he has a soft spot for you. After all, he charmed you into becoming his girlfriend with the guise of attending a political dinner with him for work related purposes.

But you'd accept that dinner invitation again and again no matter what universe you're in because that dinner ended with Coryo fucking you in the backseat of his car. The poor driver nearly drove the car off a bridge and into the opposite lane of traffic he was so startled by what his boss and you were doing. Yes, the two of you still were clothed (for the most part) but Bentley knew that if he looked into the rearview mirror and saw something he wasn't supposed to then Snow would have his eyeballs pickled in a jar (literally!). And after fucking in the backseat of his car, a life was created with Coryo and you never left his side.

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

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manibolly · 2 years ago

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He was a family friend.

RIP Zia Mohyeddin (20.6.1931 - 13.2.2023)

"It would be foolish of me to say that my acting career began on the stage in a play, written by my father, at the age of 11. A lot of people who act as schoolboys become lawyers or accountants or insurance agents. But something happened to me during that first experience. I lost all sense of time and space. It was as though I had lost my sense of recognition. The people I had been rehearsing with were strangers whom I had never seen before. As for the actual setting, it appeared to be a space in another world, a dream. And although I spoke my lines, it was quite some time before I realized that it was I who was speaking."

#zia mohyeddin #death ment tw #character actors #rip #belated‚ but I only read of his passing this evening #lawrence of arabia #the hidden truth #the avengers #adam adamant lives!#the champions #man in a suitcase #hadleigh #danger man #gangsters #the jewel in the crown #khartoum #deadlier than the male #work is a four letter word #ashanti #family pride #an incredibly talented performer and a renaissance man in the arts; Zia came to the uk in the early 50s to study at RADA and quickly #established himself as a stage presence (including originating the role of Dr Aziz in A Passage to India). there followed an enviable list #of genre credits on tv‚ the roles he's probably best remembered for now in the uk‚ as well as a regular part on The Hidden Truth and scene #stealing appearances in The Avengers and Man in a Suitcase. returning to his native Pakistan‚ Zia had a very successful talk show #there were also films‚ directorships of Performing Arts institutes; clashing with the military regime in late 70s Pakistan he returned to #the uk where he produced Here and Now‚ an influential multicultural programme; he produced and starred in the first uk soap with a british #asian cast; he travelled the world giving readings of prose and poetry in Urdu‚ and he championed the arts in his home country when he #returned there again. finally he was asked to form Karachi's National Academy of Performing Arts in 2005‚ something he approached like his #life's work and of which he was immensely proud in interviews (and on which he worked tirelessly and passionately). a genuinely incredible #individual who's much more than some old tv guest spots; but i love him for those too. rip Zia.

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maevesheart · 10 months ago

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tolerate it

CORIOLANUS SNOW X CAPITOL!READER

note: hiiiii… guess i’m back from a brief hiatus… coriolanus snow has done something to me so i must write about it. this is set before the mentorships, reader is from a very prominent capitol family—also, i changed some things around and made felix’s father the president instead of his uncle. // also.. should i write more with this oc (sort of) and corio? i like the dynamic

summary: your relationship with felix ravinstill is anything but satisfying. thus, when you find yourself intoxicated and in a room with the ever-charming coriolanus snow, tensions run high.

wc: 5.4k

tw: alcohol, reader being drunk, cheating… oh! and of course, smut ;))))

The President’s Palace was filled with only the most prestigious and wealthy people that occupied the capitol.

You entered with Felix, your arm, adorned with only the finest gems in all of Panem, was linked tightly through his, as he lead you through the ornate doors into the ballroom.

The two of you had been together for a little over 6 months now, and to say the relationship was running its course was an understatement, to say the least.

You hated him, to put it simply.

He was arrogant, and displayed you like a shining new toy that no one else could touch.

How dare he! You seethed with anger for him. Your mother was the heiress of the Cardew fortune, spanning back decades of successful bankers. Livia, your cousin, was wealthy as well, but when your mother’s inheritance collided with your fathers, there was no comparison.

Your father, Hyades Mars, was the wealthiest man in all of Panem. Serbo Plinth could not even compare.

The Mars fortune could be attributed to both a long history and incredible reputation in the Panem military, and the production of precious metals that the country needed so badly.

Your ancestors had begun Mars Manufacturing, the biggest ore manufacturers in all of Panem. When the rebellion occurred, they moved to gun and bomb production, leading President Ravinstill to forever be in the debt of your family.

After all, Mars bombs had won the war.

It was baffling to you how Felix treated you like a mere object, nothing more.

You were far more intelligent, the most beautiful girl in all of Panem, and the labeled “Panem Princess”. Felix was a fool.

However, for your family’s sake, you must play the part. Or your father would die of embarrassment.

You plastered the sweetest smile onto your lips, and let Felix parade you around the room. You greeted the Cranes and Flickermans, making small talk with them before you spotted your mother and father speaking with your uncle in the center of the room.

Ushering a quick goodbye to the guests, and assuring Felix you’d be right back, you rushed for your family.

“Daddy,” you placed a peck on your fathers cheek as he placed a hand on your back.

“Hello, shining star.” His nickname for you caused your cheeks to redden, the pounds of makeup on your face covering the blush.

The Mars were the brightest stars in the entirety of Panem. And your father would never let you or your siblings forget it.

You greeted your mother, and then your Uncle Heracles, your father’s only sibling.

A quick kiss and hug, and then two of you were deep in conversation. Heracles was always your favorite. He never married, so all his money was spent on you and your siblings.

Beautiful jewelry, bags, clothing, anything you could dream of. He loved you as his own.

You threw a quick glance behind your shoulder, meeting the similar eyes that bore the same color as your own.

Heracles and you parents gently smiled as they watched your face take over with recognition.

“Percy?” You questioned, a beaming smile now on your lips.

You rushed away from your family, and straight into the arms of your elder brother, Perseus Mars.

“I’ve missed you dearly, little star,” he chuckled as you slammed yourself into him.

You hadn’t seen Percy in over a year. He joined the military right when he graduated from the Academy, and quickly climbed the ranks. He now bore the responsibility of Major, touring around the country and serving the capitol.

Every male in your family before him had done his duty in the military, but never rose as quickly as Percy. You were filled with pride.

“Well you look just beautiful, shining star.” Percy compliments you, making you do a little twirl.

He was right, you looked marvelous.

Your mother had a custom ruby red dress made for this occasion. It was strapless, and showed your chest off perfectly. It was a thick yet flowing material, that fell to the floor. A long slit accompanied the left side, leaving little to the imagination.

You paired the gorgeous dress with black heels, and a low updo sat on the nape of your neck. Your makeup was simple and timeless, accentuating your striking eyes and full lips. You couldn’t look more beautiful if you tried.

“How has it been in the districts? I cant imagine it’s been nice,” you ask, leading him to dive into a long speech about how it’s brought him wisdom beyond his years.

“Let’s get a drink, yes?” Percy finishes, linking your arm through his. He leads you to the ornate bar, and the two of you each receive a China glass, filled with shining red liquid.

You bring the concoction to your lips, and swallow down the rich taste of cherries. As obnoxious as the Ravinstills were, they sure knew how to throw a party.

Suddenly, Persephone, your older sister and Percy’s twin, appeared in front of the both of you.

Her hair was now suddenly pink, a different shade than from the last time you saw her.

Persephone had a strange fixation with constantly changing her appearance; your mother blamed it on her eclectic boss and vibrant coworker: Fabricia Whatnot and Tigris Snow.

“Hello, Perse.” Persephone smiles, giving Percy a hug.

“Hello back, Perse.” He smiles, rubbing her back. The two of them called each other Perse, crediting their shared names of two famous Greek heroes.

Your father loved mythology, and found it only appropriate to have children named after his favorite hero and goddess.

As your siblings fell into animated conversation, you excused yourself and made your way back to Felix.

He was now with his father, his head thrown back in laughter.

You placed your hand delicately on his back, alerting him of your presence.

“Oh, hello, darling,” he smiled, wrapping an arm around your waist.

You smiled and curtsied to the President, before he took your small hand and brought it up to his mouth, leaving a haste kiss.

“Hello, Miss Mars. Pleasure to see you,”

“Pleasure is all mine, Mister President.” You smile.

The three of you fall into easy conversation. Felix and you soon break free, making your rounds to the many other guests, and friends from the Academy.

Soon the familiar sound of Panem’s Waltz began to play throughout the large room, and Felix lead you into the middle of the dance floor, taking your hand into his.

The two of you lead the waltz, other young couples joining in as the adults watching with pride blossoming onto their faces.

You wished the floor would swallow you whole.

Felix aggressively twirled you around the room, his hand rough and burning through your dress, and his other hand squeezing the life out of yours.

He spun you around and around, not delicately like Percy or even Festus Creed would’ve done.

Your eyes quickly met with Arachne’s, who gave you a solemn nod, knowing how much you hated him. You frowned back, and she mouthed “dance”, to encourage you to take lead and show him who was boss.

You quickly moved your feet in the motion of the foxtrot, causing Felix to follow your lead. The other couples soon followed, Arachne sending you a beaming smile.

Felix struggled to follow your lead, he never quite got the hang of any dance other than the waltz, and you knew this would cause an argument as his jaw tightened, and slightly stuck out his foot, sending you stumbling into his arms.

A smug smirk took over his features as you gave him a death stare, pulling yourself back into place and straightening your dress.

The other couples continues to dance while the two of you had a staring contest, before you shoved him slightly and went to leave the dance floor.

His hand harshly grabbed your arm, and pulled you back into his chest. Before you could comprehend it, you shoved his chest, and caught the attention of the entire room.

“Please excuse us, I’m afraid Miss Mars has had one too many drinks,” he laughed, causing the rest of the room to join in, soon making you into a joke.

You knew they weren’t truly laughing, having all drank a little too much themselves, but you refused to let Felix make you into a fool.

“I’ve just got to freshen up in the bathroom is all. I’ll be back momentarily. The foxtrot was never my best anyhow,” you smiled your sickly sweet grin, everyone believing the words falling from your tongue.

“Now, excuse you,” you shoved past Felix, letting your shoulder hit his as you passed him.

You were left with an awful taste in your mouth.

You grabbed a glass of something on your way out, tipping the glass back to empty all of the liquid into your throat.

What you failed to notice was the script Morphling enhanced written on the Avox’s tray.

You immediately felt calmer, the tension leaving your body.

After you finished the glass, you decided that was enough, and made your way through the crowds, needing some fresh air.

You found yourself in a deserted hall, and tears soon found themselves in your eyes. You told yourself to keep it in, but the mix of anger and morphling caused the hot salty tears to pour out of you.

You wailed, and slapped a hand across your mouth to stop the sound of more, eyes darting throughout the hall to make sure no one saw you.

The hall was empty, thank Heavensbee, and you leaned your head back against the portrait of some past Panem military leader, a string of tears passing down your cheeks.

Felix treated you like a fucking doll, and you weren’t some porcelain plaything that if he let go of would smash into millions of pieces.

You were a lady, a strong, beautiful, intelligent lady, who would not be defined by an ignorant, stupid, man-child who didn’t know his right foot from his left.

With that, you pushed off the wall, and headed towards the south end of the hall, which held two large doors that lead straight to the Royal Garden.

You exited to the garden, beautiful flowers lit by the light coming from the ball room. A small bench sat between the rows of colorful exotic plants.

A shadowed figure was hunched on this said bench, elbows on his knees and head in his palms.

You stumbled on your way over to him, picking up your flowing dark red dress to get to this figure quicker.

As you get closer, you notice the sharp black tuxedo and blonde hair. Immediate dread overtakes your body and you stop dead.

Coriolanus Snow.

Of fucking course. You scoff and let go of your dress. Coriolanus looks up, eyes widening as he takes in your distressed figure.

You and Coriolanus were once friends, but his ego got in the way and you found yourself parting ways from him. Sure, he used to be a sweet boy, but now his ego was as tall as he was, and his last name gave him power others could only dream of.

“Y/N Mars.” Coriolanus nodded, standing up and adjusting his cuff links.

“Coriolanus. Long time no see,” you rolled your eyes, morphling continuing to make your blood hot and coursing.

“Enjoying your party?” He asked, venom laced within his words.

You scowled. “My party? Funny.”

“Oh you don’t know? Felix plans on proposing. I supposed six months is the new six years,” a smirk adorned Coriolanus’s face as he watches yours twist with anger and confusion.

“Wha-… Why?” You spurt out. Suddenly you felt extremely sober.

“I couldn’t guess either. Who would want to marry you?” His words were bullets, hitting you right in the chest.

You couldn’t believe it. But as you thought into the night more, it all made perfect sense. Percy coming back from active duty, all of Panem’s most respectable being there, and Felix showing you off to everyone. He had never been that attached to your hip before.

Tears threatened to slip once more, the last thing you wished to do was marry Felix Ravinstill, but you knew once he was down on that knee, your father’s eyes would bore into yours. You wouldn’t have the heart to let him down.

Desperately wishing to change the subject, you placed your head up high and made eye contact once more with the mean boy in front of you.

“Why were you out here all alone, Coriolanus?”

Was that a hint of… of worry across your face? No, it couldn’t be, Coriolanus thought.

He found himself taken aback by your worried tone and soft eyes after he had repeatedly thrown insults your way.

“Some fresh air, that’s all,” he clears his throat, trying his best to suppress his feelings he had fought for so long.

Insulting you, hiding away. That was all he could do. He had be mean to you your entire life, teasing you, stealing your first kiss on a “dare”. He had never once been nice.

But you were Panem’s Princess, and he could not be in love with Panem’s Princess, so he shoved down his feelings and refused to admit them. After all, why would a rich girl like you be with a poor boy like him?

“I haven’t seen you once tonight. It’s freezing out here, come inside and get some warmth,” you take a step closer to him, causing him to sit up straighter on the bench.

Why were you acting like you cared? Did you know his secret? Or did you truly care? Were his feelings mutual?

“You must have been too preoccupied with Mister President Junior to notice my presence. Naturally, we don’t like each other.”

His statement caused you to take a step backwards. The cold radiated off his skin.

You had deep feelings for Coriolanus, and you assumed he knew. You had only given him your first kiss years ago, just to find out it was a dare from Clemensia.

It shattered your little heart, and you had sworn him off since that dreadful night.

So, to find him so cold and mean when you were so vulnerable, it felt like that night when you were 13 all over again.

It seemed Coriolanus had a specific talent for breaking your heart.

“Alright then. You can be miserable by yourself, Snow. All I’ve done is try to help.” You sniffled, turning brisk on your heel and marching back to the doors you had came out from.

Coriolanus leaned slightly back, wondering what he had just done.

The girl he had been pawning over for years came outside and was trying to comfort him, how could he have been so stupid as to turn you away?

On your solemn walk back through the hallway, you figured Felix could be a good husband. The future president of Panem, and not terribly unattractive.

But deep down, your heart yearned for a certain boy with blue eyes and pale hair, a certain boy who had crushed your heart countless times.

Instead of returning to the ballroom, you headed up the large marble staircase, and straight to the first bedroom.

You threw yourself onto the ornate golden bed, undoing your elaborate bun from the nape of your neck.

Your hair flowed down your back, and you stood in front of the mirror, wiping below your eyes. No one could see you like this.

An abrupt knock came from the other side of the door, and your head snapped.

Surely no one had seen you go upstairs. And there was absolutely no way Coriolanus had followed you.

Opening the door, the familiar face from the garden stood in front of you, eyebrows laced and fret covering his face.

“Coriolanus?” You whispered, the tears once more threatening to spill.

“Please, I am not in the mood.” He felt the crack in your voice deep in his core, and felt a pit begin to form in his stomach.

“Can I come in?” He whispered. You stepped aside and his broad frame crossed the floorboards onto the lush green carpet you stood atop.

“What is it now? Come to insult my dress as well? Tell me that my makeup has smeared?” You sat on the edge of the bed, and placed your face in your hands.

Coriolanus stood in silence for a few moments, then he got onto his knees before you and gently moved your hands from your face.

His fingertips gently traced the sides of your cheeks as they moved your delicate hands, and then he cupped your left cheek and you found yourself leaning in.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never been more sorry for something in my life.” His apology surprised you, and your eyes went wide.

“It’s alright, nothing I’m not used to with you,” you mustered a slight smile.

“No, it’s not alright. I’ve been a fool, Y/N.” Your eyes began to narrow, was this another aspect of his cruel games?

“I’ve been a fool for a long time. Trying to convince myself that I don’t love you. But the harder I try to fight my feelings, the harder they come back and burst into my heart. I love you more than a man could ever love a woman. And I’ve been terrible to you, utterly awful. And you deserve someone who treats you the right way, and I know that Felix cannot love you the way I can. Felix could never give you the things I could, he could never make you feel things I can make you feel.” Coriolanus is stroking your face, his eyes soft and glossy.

You want to believe him, you truly do, but he has never given you a reason to.

You brush his hand away from your face.

“Coriolanus Snow. You have tormented me for too long, knowing my feelings for you. You take, and take, and take, and I have nothing left. Felix, sure he’s not the brightest nor the most doting, but he makes a suitable choice at this point. I haven’t got anything left to give to you. So please, leave me alone.”

You go to stand up, but Coriolanus is pushing you back down.

“Cant you see, I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember!”

“You’ve never given me a reason to believe that, Coriolanus!”

The two of you were yelling at this point, and you were very thankful for the loud music down below.

“I know, I know. And I’m so deeply sorry. I should’ve been better, I know.”

“Yes, you should have. And you cannot have me just because you decided ten minutes ago that I was suddenly appealing.”

“You’ve always been beautiful, Y/N.”

You shake your head, looking down to the ground.

“Please, give me a chance. Just one. I won’t mess it up.”

You look up and meet his eyes. You debate his plea in your head.

You could give him a chance and dump Felix, a win-win. But what happens if he goes back to his old ways and hurts you again. He would make a fool of you and there’s no way you could ever beg Felix to take you back.

Before your mind can decide, your heart picks.

“Alright. But just one. No other chances.”

“No other chances. I love you, Y/N.”

You cant stop yourself from smiling, truly believing his words this time. “I love you, Coriolanus.”

A grin splays across his face and he places his hands on either side of your face, delicately tucking a stray piece of hair behind your ear.

“May I kiss you?” A small nod is all you offer before his lips come crashing down onto yours, feeling the exact way they did 5 years ago when the two of you sat in a dark closet.

His lips are cold, but they melt together with your warm ones. The kiss is passionate and slow, the both of you taking your time, cherishing the moment.

Soon, he is standing and pushing you back onto the bed, your head lightly hitting the pillow.

The kiss turns rushed and heated, the both of you breathing heavily. Your hand moves from his bicep to his hair, tugging, earning a groan from deep inside his throat.

He slots his legs between yours, and your thighs latch onto his sides.

You move your hands down to his shoulders, digging deep into his back, feeling the tough muscles contract beneath your perfectly polished red nails.

He pulls back briefly, with lust blown pupils. You assume yours look the same.

He takes your hand and examines the nails, the finest ruby ring around your middle finger, with diamonds forming a crown.

He brings your hand up to his mouth and sucks on your middle finger and ring finger, before pulling them back.

You watch with big eyes and a slightly open mouth, feeling your panties pool down below.

“I’ve only ever dreamt of having you like this.”

You don’t respond, just swallowing roughly.

He moves back to your lips, but only briefly, then moves down your neck, taking his time leaving marks. You’re sure you’ll need extra concealer and powder in the morning, but that is a worry for later.

The only thing you can focus on now is the way his lips feel against your sensitive skin.

He looks up while sucking your collarbone, his eyes dark and seductive. He had you exactly where he wanted, writhing beneath him.

His tongue finds its way down your cleavage, pecking the visible skin. “Such a pretty dress,” he whispers, you silently begging him to continue.

He’s soon shrugging off his tuxedo coat and undoing his bow tie.

You sit up and try to unzip the back of the dress, silently struggling.

He unbuttons his white collared shirt and throws it onto the ground before moving to help you, sliding down the zipper with ease.

He rips the dress down your body, throwing it to the floor. He sits up on his knees and assesses your whole body, suddenly bulging against his pants as he takes in your uncovered breasts.

“No bra? Naughty girl,” he tsks, placing his hands on either side of your waist.

The only part of your body covered is your genitals, a simple black floral lace thong sitting on your hips.

You start to wiggle, desperate for him to do something again.

“Use your words, pretty girl.” He taunts, running a finger across the band of your panties.

“Please,” you whisper, taking his hands into yours.

“Anything for you, my love, tell me what you want,” he leaves a quick kiss to your lips, pulling back to allow you to answer.

“Your mouth.” You’ve never given requests like this before. Ha! You’ve never even been listened to during your few times with Felix. He always had you go down on him or be on top. You had never been eaten out before, and you thought there was no better person than Coriolanus.

A smirk overtakes Coriolanus’s face as he realizes you’ve never had someone go down on you before. “Of course, love.” He shuffles down the bed, laying on his stomach.

You sit up on your elbows to get a better view of him, watching with your breath held as he pulls down your thong with his teeth.

You could melt on the spot.

He throws the panties somewhere over his shoulder, and begins to kiss the inside of each your thighs, taking his sweet time.

“Please, Coryo,” you pant, your chest rising quickly.

Before you even have a chance to close your mouth, he is on your skin, sucking on your clit. The feeling is unbelievable and you throw your head back in pleasure.

His tongue glides between your folds, exploring wildly as you try your hardest not to scream out in pleasure.

He continues to suck, and sticks a finger in while you’re mid-moan, leading to a loud, “Oh, Coryo,” falling from your parted lips.

He smirks against your swollen clit, adding a second finger, pumping at an almost impossible speed.

You feel the pit in your stomach start to come undone and once he feels you begin to wiggle he knows you’re close.

“C’mon, princess,” he urges in a hoarse whisper, adding a third finger.

You’re undone in seconds, biting your bottom lip to stop yourself from screaming his name for all of Panem to hear.

He laps up everything you give, and sticks his fingers into his mouth to ducks off your juices.

His legs are back in between yours, swollen lips quickly reattaching to yours.

He wipes the few stray tears that fell, a sense of pride blossoming in his chest, knowing he was the first man to make you feel that way.

“Coryo, let me please you,” you beg, hands fumbling as you undo his belt and begin to pull down his velvet dress pants.

“Next time. I want to focus on you,” he simply states and your heart soars, no man has ever said that to you, especially in these circumstances.

“I need to feel you, Y/N,” he simply states, hands on your hips.

You nod, ready to feel him inside you. You can only imagine how good it will feel.

“Use your words, baby. I need verbal confirmation,”

“Please, Coriolanus, I need you,” you grab his face, pulling it back down to meet yours. You then move your hands down to his boxers, the both of you pulling them down and flinging them off to join your panties.

His impressive length bounces back, standing straight up against his stomach. Your eyes widen with shock and your clit throbs imagining it inside of you.

Felix is nothing compared to Coryo.

“You’re so big,” you mumble, likely the alcohol from earlier speaking.

He chuckles at your comment, watching you size him up. “Don’t worry, pretty thing, I’ll fit,” he smirks, cupping your face once again.

He lines himself up with your slick folds, bringing your hands down to push himself in.

His large hands cover your small ones, and he watches your face as he slowly pushes in.

Your face first twists with pain and he immediately halts his movements, beginning to pull out before you urge him to continue.

“No, no, it feels good,” you whisper, lightly hissing.

“Just tell me if it hurts and I’ll stop immediately,” he reassures, pushing his full length in.

You gasp as he fills you up, your tight folds holding his cock so well, Coryo’s head falls back in pleasure, a light groan falling from his lips.

“You’re fucking perfect,” he whimpers, going down onto his elbows so he can be closer to you.

“I love you,” he kisses the corner of your mouth before pulling out and going right back in, your hands finding his back.

“Fuck, Coryo, I love—“ a moan interrupts your sentence as he roughly pushes his full length in at once, filling you up in ways you’d never imagined.

He continues to flick his hips into yours, your ankles crossing behind his back, pulling him even closer to your body. The both of you are panting and sweating, chests rising into each other.

Your body trembles in indescribable pleasure as he continues thrusting in at an incredible pace, your head thrown back against the pillow and your eyes closed.

You scream out, his hand slapping down over your mouth to keep you quiet. This turns you on even more, and you begin to move your hips with his, allowing him to push in even deeper.

The slapping of skin and your shared groans fill the air, and Coryo’s lips find your sweet spot against your neck, filling you with even more pleasure.

“Coryo,” you moan, fingernails scratching down his back.

Somehow, his thrusts get harder and faster, pounding into you like a fuck doll he couldn’t get enough of. Arousal drips out of you, and Coryo begins to pull all the out before slamming right back in.

You felt like you were going to explode from pure bliss, the feeling of Coryo’s lips on yours, his strong hands holding you in place, and the feeling of his cock deep inside your pulsing walls.

You feel the pit begin to form again, and Coryo knows you’re close when you begin to tighten around him, and you feel his thrusts get sloppier.

His cock twitches as you whimper underneath him, and he grunts, “I’m close, princess,”

“Me too, Coryo,” you moan, hands gripping his biceps.

With a final thrust, the both of you come undone together, Coryo collapsing onto your chest.

You kiss the side of his face, weakly smiling as his eyes meet yours.

He leaves a kiss to your lips before pushing himself off the bed and going into the en-suite bathroom, quickly running a wash cloth under water and coming back.

He wipes it down your legs and over your privates, kissing your knees as he does so.

He lays back down with you, stroking your face and examining the features he’s loved forever.

“You are beautiful,” he smiles, brushing your hair back.

You blush, shaking your head, “I’m probably a mess right now,”.

“Never.” He kisses your forehead and sits up, “but we do have to go back down there.”

You groan with the realization, quickly being snapped out of your bliss bubble with Coriolanus.

He helps you off the bed, steadying your hips. You assure him that you can walk, and he helps you slip into your dress and heels.

He pulls back on his clothing as you try your best to salvage whats left of your makeup in the bathroom.

“I’m ending it with him when we get down there.” You take Coryo’s hand, lacing it within yours.

“Don’t leave my side, please,” you beg.

“I would never.” He reassures you, wrapping his arm around your waist.

The two of you quietly exit the room, slowly descending the stairs.

You don’t even know how long you’ve been up there, or if the party is still going on.

The loud music assures you that it is, and Coryo stands directly behind you as you enter the ballroom, all eyes falling onto you two.

You catch Percy’s eye first, his face twisted with confusion. Persephone is behind him next to Tigris, the two of them size both of you up, worry evident in their features.

Felix makes his way up to you, and the Capitol citizens act as if they aren’t watching any more, despite the stolen glances and almost hushed conversations.

“Y/N. Where were you,” Felix grips your arm harshly, and you let out a whimper.

Coryo is between the two of you in seconds, his brooding frame easily towering over Felix’s cowering body.

“Don’t touch her.” He threatens, eyes narrowed.

He knows he is teetering in dangerous water. The Snow’s are almost nothing, and the Ravinstills rule all of Panem. Felix could have him dead with the snap of his fingers.

But all Felix does is laugh, brushing Coryo off.

“She is my girlfriend, Coriolanus, don’t overstep now,” Felix chuckles, shaking his head.

“Not anymore,” you say loudly from behind Coryo, who slightly shifts to let you have access to Felix.

Felix gives you a confused look, raising his eyebrow.

“Felix, I cannot be with you anymore. You treat me as if I am a porcelain doll who is only for you to show off. I am a woman, and I am no one’s to parade around.” You say, the large room dead silent.

Your father grins in the back, Uncle Heracles joining. Percy is as well, Pride swelling for his baby sister.

“What?” Felix chokes out, looking as if he’s seen a ghost.

“You heard me loud and clear. It’s done. And I will be leaving now.” You hold your chin up high, and march out, passing President Ravinstill.

You give him a small nod, thanking him once again for having you.

Coriolanus trails you, and you are sure everyone must suspect what happened upstairs. But that doesn’t matter to you at all in that moment.

As soon as the two of you are outside the Palace, and in one of the carriages, Coryo is holding your hand, and kissing it endlessly.

“I’m very proud of you, my love.” He says, and you tuck yourself into his side. “I’m happy it’s done. After all, I’ve got my Coriolanus Snow now, don’t I?” You ask, earning a chuckle from the man you love and a giggle from your own lips.

#imagine #angst #coriolanus snow #coriolanus x reader #coriolanus x you #coriolanus smut #corio snow #coriolanus fanfiction #coriolanus imagine #coriolanus x y/n #the hunger games #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #panem #smut #coriolanus x oc #coriolanus snow x reader #maeve writes 🎀

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niranjandotus · 9 months ago

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Top Ukrainian female Scientists, Doctors, Mathematicans, Economists, Artists, Athletes, Leaders, Astronauts, Military Leaders, etc.

The Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska who won Fields Medal — the highest honor for a mathematician.

Selected few famous Ukrainian scientists

We decided to talk about outstanding Ukrainian women who've changed and continue to change the world of science to show that girls can do anything.

Maryna Viazovska, a mathematician

Ukrainian scientist, doctor of natural sciences. Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska, who currently works at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, received the Salem Prize 2016, which is extremely prestigious for mathematicians. The commission awarded the prize to Maryna Viazovska for her world-class discovery. Ukrainian solved a problem that scientists have been working on for more than 400 years, i.e. packing spheres in 8-dimensional space, and co-authored the one in 24-dimensional space. Previously, the problem of packing spheres was solved only for spaces with three or fewer dimensions.

Yuliia Bezvershenko, a physicist

Ukrainian scientist in theoretical physics, popularizer of science, public figure, Ph.D. of physic and mathematical sciences, Yuliia Bezvershenko is included in the list of TOP-20 Ukrainian women in STEM for 2018-2019. Yuliia deals with mathematical methods applied to the problems of dynamics of quantum systems in external fields and control of quantum systems. She is convinced and proves that one can practice theoretical physics with passion.

According to Yuliia, at one time she heard an important thing from her mentor: you can be yourself in any field! Therefore, one shouldn't be afraid of stereotypes and prejudices of others.

If you're a girl, a woman, no matter where, no matter how old you are, and your heart is in science, don't be afraid. Go there boldly. After all, nothing will stop a woman, ready to work and conduct scientific discoveries.

Mariia Bailiak, a biologist

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Biotechnology in Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. Scientist Mariia Bailiak studies biochemistry and researches the influence of various plants and substances on the aging process. Mariia Bailiak's discoveries concern, for instance, the increase of stress resistance and the general condition of living organisms (and therefore, us and you, and it's good news: stress resistance doesn't hurt anyone), and anti-aging substances. Thanks to her intensive work, Mariia is in the Top 10 successful Ukrainian women scientists.

Olha Brovarets, a biophysicist

Ukrainian biophysicist, Doctor of Physic and Mathematical Sciences, winner of the Scopus Awards Ukraine in the nomination "Best team of scientists who achieved significant scientific results without Western collaborations" and the President of Ukraine Award for Young Scientists, and a leading researcher in the Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Olha is the youngest doctor habilitatus in Ukraine; she became a doctor at 29. Olha is now 34 years old and she continues to study biophysics: her discoveries give an understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and many other diseases caused by mutations. It was Olha who calculated the pattern of mutations in DNA leading to cancer and many other diseases.

Nana Voitenko, a biologist

Professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences, neurobiologist, head of the department of sensory signaling of the Bohomolets Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine. Nana Voitenko has been researching pain for more than 20 years. What do we know about pain? For most people on Earth, pain is something they'd like to get rid of as soon as possible if they feel it. Nana Voitenko deals with the nature of pain, as it occurs and spreads in the human's central and peripheral nervous systems. In the laboratory, Voitenko and her colleagues managed to develop an experimental treatment that affects only those cells involved in pain syndromes. Besides, Nana Voitenko is actively promoting science: she's a lecturer at the "Days of Science" initiative, was a lecturer at TED-x Kyiv in 2013, and the organizer of the "Week of Knowledge about the Brain." Science is close, and it's accessible to everyone.

Ella Libanova, an economist

Scientist in socioeconomics, demography, and labor economics, academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Honored Economist of Ukraine. Ella Libanova is an academician-secretary of the economics department of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and, by the way, the first and only female member of the presidium of the National Academy of Sciences for 102 years of its work. She teaches social statistics at the Faculty of Economics of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; introduced a method for measuring human development at the region level, used by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine for annual calculations.

Nina Virchenko, a mathematician

Professor of the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Probability Theory, Doctor of Physic and Mathematical Sciences Nina Virchenko is one of the most famous Ukrainian mathematicians. She is the author of more than 500 scientific and methodological works, including 20 books published in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Japanese. Nina Virchenko is recognized not only in Ukraine but also abroad; she's a member of the Australian, American, Belgian, Edinburgh, London mathematical societies. In the end, it's not surprising, because mathematics knows no boundaries and recognizes all the achievements, wherever you obtain them.

Nina Virchenko's fate wasn't easy: at 18 in 1948, she was sentenced to 10 years in the Gulag camps for preparing a "political conspiracy, revolt" and participating in the "Ukrainian-nationalist gang." Years in the camps didn't stop the future doctor from achieving her dreams. In 1964, she defended her Ph.D. and her Dr. habil. dissertation in Kyiv in 1988.

Nataliia Vynohrad, an epidemiologist

Epidemiologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences, Nataliia Vynohrad manages the Department of Epidemiology of Lviv National Medical University. She's an expert of the World Health Organization in responding to epidemic threats and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on epidemiology, an adviser to the Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine on anti-epidemic protection and biosafety. Agree, you can't find a more relevant profession in 2020-2021. Once an ordinary girl from a village in the Khmelnytskyi region, and now the author of 305 scientific papers, and 8 copyright certificates for inventions and patents of Ukraine, proves that nothing is impossible for a girl who knows what she wants.

Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko, a historian

From the early 20th century until the end of her life in the 1970s, our first heroine studied the history and archeology of Ukraine, both in Ukraine and later in exile in Germany and the Czech Republic. In a historically troublesome time for Ukraine, she became one of the leading representatives of the state school in Ukrainian historiography, that is, she promoted the idea of independence and continuity of the Ukrainian historical process. Nataliia Polonska-Vasylenko is the author of almost 200 scientific works on the history of Zaporizhzhia and Southern Ukraine, which remain relevant to this day.

Valentyna Radzymovska, a biologist

One of the most prominent names in our history is Valentyna Radzymovska, a professor, doctor of medical and physiological sciences, founder of the Ukrainian school of physiologists and biochemists, and a public figure. The Soviet authorities repressed Valentyna Radzymovska for her political activities and participation in the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine in the 1930s. However, it didn't prevent her from becoming the author of more than 60 works on biochemistry, pathophysiology, pediatrics, psychoneurology, physiology, and phthisiology. Like the previous scientist in our article, she left Ukraine in 1945, emigrating first to Germany and then to the United States.

Radzymovska contributed hugely to the study of tuberculosis and its treatment in children.

Nina Morozhenko, a physicist

Although the sun is the closest star to us, it still hides many fascinating mysteries. Ukrainian astronomer, helio physicist, doctor of physic and mathematical sciences, author of 56 scientific works, Nina Morozhenko devoted her entire life to studying the structure of our guide light and the processes taking place on it. After all, everything happening on the Sun affects many areas of human activity. Without studying the sun, it's impossible to understand not only what the future holds for our civilization but also what is happening in space, i.e. on the distant stars the humanity is so eager to reach. Nina Morozhenko's scientific works on solar prominences were the first in the world and gave rise to scientific research by helio physicists from many countries. The Ukrainian researcher's significant contribution to the physics of the sun once again demonstrates that physics isn't a purely "male" science.

#ukraine #ukrainian #ukrainianarmy #ukrainianarmedforces

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foxglovecove · 3 months ago

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When your long-time pen pal bestie and secret crush agrees to be your co-pilot, but you suspect his heart isn’t 100% in it ,there’s probably a bit of guilt there.

Nothing could go wrong, right?

+++

So I imagine this is their first time suiting up as official jaeger pilots. They’ve had a rocky go of it during the academy, but eventually passed and were cleared to join the fight officially. Newt is still not 100% onboard with the whole military fighting thing, but he’s Doing It For Hermann.

They actually have a couple of successful missions and slowly Newt comes around to the idea. Unfortunately not long after is when they head into a Kaiju battle for the last time as pilots (cue dramatic music).

#jaeger pilot au #newmann #pre-relationship #like…wayyy at the beginning but after the letters era #newton geiszler #hermann gottlieb #pacific rim #jaeger #Kaiju

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manasastuff-blog · 2 months ago

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The Best Army Training Center in Vizag#trending#viral

Manasa Defence Academy stands out as India's best army training centre, providing top-tier training programs designed to prepare students for a successful military career. Located in a prime area, the academy offers state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors, and a rigorous curriculum that covers all aspects of army training. Whether you're aspiring to join the Indian Army or looking to enhance your military skills, Manasa Defence Academy is the ideal choice. We’ll take you through the academy's comprehensive training modules, student success stories, and the unique features that make it the top army training centre in India. Stay tuned to find out why Manasa Defence Academy is the best option for your army training needs.

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blackcherryvelvet0909 · 5 months ago

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Different Kind of Beautiful (Deuce x GN!Reader)

Content Warning: Mentions of alcohol

Note: This story takes place six or seven years after the events of Twisted Wonderland. The characters depicted here are all adults.

Happy (belated) Birthday, Deuce! Let me know if y'all want a part two!

“It’s been so long! It’s nice to see you again!”

No, no that didn’t sound right. Too eager? Maybe… Deuce tried again. “Hey, long time, no see! How’ve you been?”

That sounded good - was it too casual? I mean, yeah, they were still friends, at least he hoped, but should he be a bit more cordial? Deuce let out an exasperated sigh as he leaned his elbows on the sink, closed his eyes and hung his head low. This meetup was turning out to be more stressful than it ought to be. Just a little get-together before classes resumed in the fall. For someone about to enroll at one of the best police academies in Twisted Wonderland, Deuce couldn’t seem to keep a clear head about this. And it was all due to one person: [Name].

[Full Name]: Deuce’s crush since his first year at Night Raven College. It was more than a crush now, honestly, had been for a long time. He was full on in love with them. Even after a couple years apart, each to pursue their own dreams, the man’s love never faded. He was one hundred percent guilty of stalking their social media, liking every single one of their posts, no matter the content. Was that too much? Possibly, but he couldn’t help himself.

He and [Name] were still part of the ye olde group chat they started up at the college. The members included himself, [Name], Ace, Epel, Jack, Ortho, and - though it took a while to convince him - Sebek. While it was good to still be connected to his college friends, there was only one person who he had notifications deemed for; you can guess who that is. Again, sad, probably, but Deuce just couldn’t be normal about them. Each year that passed only made that connection, that attraction, grow evermore powerful. As far as Deuce knew, only Jack and Epel were privy to it - he would never hear the end of it if Ace were to discover Deuce’s well kept secret. Trey and Cater knew, too, and Deuce could only pray they kept their word and kept the knowledge to themselves.

They would all be there today. Riddle would be, too, as Trey actually convinced him to take the summer off. Deuce thought he’d be picking Riddle up from his townhouse, but Trey opted to go instead. They were all in close proximity to each other, and Trey didn’t think Riddle would be fond of the idea of riding with Deuce on his blastcycle. Deuce didn’t think so, either. Some thought it was strange Riddle had yet to earn his driver’s license, but being an honor student at the most prestigious law school in the Queendom of Roses, Twisted Wonderland as a whole, took up much of your time. Good for him - Deuce felt Riddle would make a better lawyer than he would a doctor, as Mrs. Rosehearts had attended. Rude to say, but fuck her honestly.

As for everyone else’s lives, Trey was in his final year of culinary school; Epel was working as a mechanic in a city in the Shaftlands; Jack was currently working towards his doctorate in physical therapy, while also participating in sport; Sebek had just graduated from Briar Valley’s military alongside Silver; Ace, like Deuce, had graduated college, but with a degree in interdisciplinary studies instead of criminal justice. You, of course, were also pursuing your own goals, and Deuce was your most loyal supporter. Your ‘simp’, as Cater had teased Deuce for many times in the past. At least it was meant affectionately, unlike if it came from Ace. He was one of Deuce’s best friends, but he could be a total ass at times. Everyone in their group was having their turn in trying to wrangle him into shape, with varying success. You were currently in the lead.

Deuce turned on the sink and splashed some cold water on his face. A couple more splashes and then he grabbed the hand towel hanging beside the bathroom mirror and gently rubbed the water droplets away. His eyes met his reflection, staring back at himself as though expecting his mirrored self to come up with some foolproof plan to finally win you over. Like the past several times Deuce, there was no such revelation. Deuce hung the hand towel back on its little rack before exiting the bathroom and returning to his room. The doors of his closet hung wide open, just as he’d left them. On the inside of the closet were various shirts and jackets he could wear to the meetup - if only he could choose one.

Deuce knew he shouldn’t dress formally; the restaurant’s dress code was dressy casual at most, and Riddle would certainly be the only one following that ‘dressy’ part. Everyone else would be wearing a T-shirt and jeans, dark pants and a simple button up, jackets or no jackets - outfits like that. All of these clothing items Deuce possessed, and yet he just couldn’t find the right one. Earlier, he even thought about going out and finding something new to wear, but decided against it. Deuce wasn’t strapped for cash or anything, but going out and spending money on clothes he might wear one time wasn’t very smart, let alone necessary. Perhaps he should peek into the group chat and see if any of his friends had posted pictures of their outfits.

They had not, but Deuce was greeted by one direct message from one friend: Cater. “Don’t wrry so much about tonight, k?” read the text. “Just be yourself, dress how you usually do. Youll be fine!”

Of course, Deuce wasn’t just referring to the young man’s choice of dress for the night. He was most definitely referring to you and how Deuce sometimes - okay, always fretted over you and how you might perceive him. A little smile tugged at Deuce’s lips as he read the text over once, twice, then proceeded to text back a short reply. “Thanks, Cater. I’ll try not to be nervous, lol.” Deuce didn’t wait for a reply, pressing the power button on the side of his phone and turning off the screen before tossing the device on the bed. He let out a soft groan as he placed his hands over his face, dragging them down until his fingertips reached his chin before letting them fall back to his sides.

The blue haired twenty-three year old glanced back at his closet. He eyed the old varsity jacket hanging inside, in the middle of the rack of clothes. It was pretty old, but Deuce had managed to keep it in good, almost perfect condition. He stepped forward a few paces and took it off its hanger. He’d made his decision.

***

Deuce entered through the front door of the restaurant: a local hole-in-the-wall that once was once an old pub. His combat boots thumped against the two-century-old wood as he walked towards the bar. He parked himself on the left side, though didn’t take a seat at one of the stools. Instead, while ignoring a couple flirtatious gazes shot his way (he didn’t notice to begin with), Deuce scanned the eatery for his friends. It didn’t take long to spot the group. They were gathered around a large booth situated in the right back corner of the restaurant, chatting away about something Deuce couldn’t discern.

From left to right was Jack, who sipped on a - likely non-alcoholic - margarita; Epel, who just finished chugging the last of a beer; Cater, who, after his few years of self-discovery, didn’t have a phone in sight; Riddle, sandwiched between Cater and Trey, seeming a little out of place in such a lively establishment, but no less appearing to have a good time; Trey, who was smiling and nodding away with the conversation, munching away on some fries; Ace, who wore his favorite asymmetrical checkered loose button-up, seemingly joking around with Epel about something; and Sebek, who was not belting out every single word he spoke (he’d learned to calm his volume over the years). You, on the other hand, were nowhere to be found. Maybe you hadn’t arrived yet, perhaps in the bathroom? Deuce felt a tad guilty for feeling disappointed at your absence. It wasn’t like he wasn’t excited to see his other friends, just… Before he could wonder anymore where you were, you appeared from a hallway on the other side of the room.

You were gorgeous. No different from usual, but the outfit you wore made you look absolutely stunning. Deuce had to bite his bottom lip to prevent his jaw from hitting the bar. He needed to get it together! Deuce couldn’t repeat the mistake he made in your third year at NRC, when, without a thought, Deuce sighed out how handsome you looked. Great Seven he’d been so embarrassed! At least you were flattered by the compliment and awarded him with an equally show-stopping smile.

Grim was likely back at the hotel, where you both were bunked for the duration of your stay in the Queendom of Roses. It’d been the same arrangement when you’d all got together for a week in the Shaftlands, and before that a long weekend in Briar Valley. Did you still talk to Malleus? Of course you did, that was a silly question. Despite the prince’s courtly duties, the two of you still made time for each other. If it were not for time constraints on the fae’s part, he might have even joined you all at the restaurant. Deuce felt that guilt re-enter his heart as it mixed with the jealousy of how effortless your relationship seemed with the high prince, future king of Briar Valley.

Deuce could never measure up to that.

His hand gripped the wood of the bar as you glanced around the restaurant; his nails dug into the firm material when you briefly caught his eye. You smiled and waved at him, but before you could even finish the gesture Deuce had turned his head in the other direction. He hoped it looked effortless, like he simply didn’t see you. Anxiety pumped through his veins and muddled his brain, making him think of all the possible things that could go wrong, all the words he could say to screw everything up. If only he could be as articulate as Riddle; as suave and charming as Cater; as laid back and perceptive as Trey. If only he could be like Malleus and already have your heart right in his hands.

“Twisted Wonderland to Loosey Deucey!” came a voice from beside him. It was paired with a small shake to his arm, which made Deuce flinch. Thankfully he recognized the voice enough to not let instinct take over and square up immediately. He turned his head to give Ace his full attention.

“H-Hey, Ace,” Deuce greeted, stuttering for a second as he tried to shove all his previous thoughts to the back of his mind, where they belonged. “How’ve you been?”

“Alright,” Ace replied. “Glad college will no longer be a pain in my ass.” The man grinned as he nudged Deuce with his elbow. “Congrats again for getting accepted into the police academy, Officer Spade.”

“I’m not an officer yet,” Deuce chuckled. “You can’t call me that till I’ve graduated.”

“Yeah yeah, I know, Mr. Play-by-the-rules. There! That’ll be your new title till then.” Deuce rolled his eyes, but a grin remained plastered on his face. That was until Ace changed the subject and asked, perhaps rhetorically, “Are you gonna come to the table, or are you just going to sit here and sulk?”

“Oh, yeah, I am!” Deuce assured. “I was just about to walk over.”

“Did you order something?”

“No, I haven’t even seen the menu yet.”

Ace pointed up at the chalkboard that lined the back of the bar. “It’s literally right there, dude.”

So it was. “I actually didn’t notice,” Deuce laughed. “Really do need to start paying attention to the little things, huh?”

“Yeah,” Ace concurred, then leaned his elbow on the counter. “Like how you can’t just avoid [Name] when they look at you cause you’ve got goo-goo eyes for them.”

Deuce looked quite the fool as he stood there, almost bug-eyed as he registered Ace’s words. “Hu-what?!”

“C’mon man, don’t play dumb.” Ace smirked. “You make it so obvious.”

“I-” Deuce scrambled to find the right words. “How long have you known?”

“Since our freshman year back at Night Raven.” Now, Deuce’s mouth was hanging open. Ace’s expression seemed to grow more amused as Deuce’s became more flabbergasted. “What? You thought I didn’t know?”

“I never told you!” Deuce noticed how loud he was becoming and quickly toned his voice down.

“You never had to. I see the way you look at them. You’re a nice guy, yeah, sickeningly so, but I’ve only seen you fumble over one person.”

“I don’t fumble!”

“Oh yes you do!” Ace teased. “I’ve never seen a guy trip over himself so much. You get tongue tied whenever they’re around; you’re [Name]’s own personal pack mule and guard dog; and you remember almost every single thing about them! I didn’t even know that they [secret quirk about you] - Malleus doesn’t either!”

How surprised could one man get in one day? “He doesn’t?” Deuce balked.

“Nope! Well, not till I asked him, at least. He at least didn’t know till I mentioned it.” Ace waved his hand, dismissing the memory. “Anyway, unless you’re Sebek and Riddle, everyone in the group knows, man.”

Deuce’s heart dropped to his boots. “Even [Name]?”

“No, at least I don’t think so.” Ace poked Deuce’s wrist, which peeked out of his jacket cuff. “But if they do, they’re likely waiting on you to make the first move.”

Deuce wanted to sink into the ground and join the soil beneath. He frowned and stared down at his hand, studying the calluses on his fingers. “Or they don’t like me that way and just don’t want to hurt my feelings.”

“Hey! No! None of that!” Ace grabbed Deuce by his bottom jaw and turned his head back up to look at him. It hurt a little, but Deuce kept his mouth shut. “Listen, man, I can’t speak for them, but I can tell that [Name] cares about you a lot - and I mean a lot. They talk about you even outside the group chat.” Deuce’s eyebrows raised in surprise. They really did?

“Yeah,” Ace affirmed, “so much so it’s a common joke amongst us. Well, except for you, I guess. Anyway, if they really didn’t like you like that, they would tell you to your face. But I highly doubt that they’d reject you, Deuce. [Name] likes you!” Ace released Deuce’s face, but not before he gave his cheek a light, yet firm slap.

“Now, come with me so you can go over there and talk to them and have a good time with the rest of us. Hell, flirt with them a lil bit while you’re at it! Before we leave for the night, ask them out! Before someone else does!” Deuce’s heart dropped at the very idea. No…no, he couldn’t let that happen! Ace was right - he needed to make the first move!

“Yeah, I will.” Deuce smiled and reached out to Ace, giving his arm a firm squeeze. “Thanks, man.”

“No problem.” Ace gave a playful smile as he feigned a punch to Deuce’s chin. “Somebody had to give you the right nudge. I even thought about flirting with [Name] myself, just so you’d get scared and finally jump the line.” Deuce shot Ace a small glare, one the man knew all too well. Ace held up his hands in a mock defense.

“Hey, hey, Cater talked me out of it! Epel threatened to beat my ass, too.”

Deuce was silent for a few seconds, then let out a small laugh. “Nah, I wouldn’t have let him.” Deuce straightened his posture and placed his hands on his hips. “If he wouldn’t let up, I’d have to arrest him.”

“Oh, thank you so much, mister officer, sir!” Ace mockingly praised in a tiny sing-song voice. “I feel so safe with you around!”

With smiles on both their faces, Ace and Deuce made their way over to the booth, where their friends were waiting. Deuce greeted each of them, with either a handshake, a pat on the shoulder, or a quick side hug. That was, until he got to you. You were seated beside Sebek, right at the edge of the curved booth seats. Like always, Deuce’s smile grew soft, and his gaze became fond and loving, the moment he set his sights on you. “Hey, [Name],” he said, almost breathed, in greeting.

“Hey,” you said in response. You rose from your seat and reached out your arms to pull him into an embrace. As he always did, Deuce returned it wholeheartedly. You stood like that for a long moment, probably longer than one should have, before separating. Even then, Deuce kept a gentle hand on your arm, which trailed down to your hand. His knuckles brushed yours, making direct eye contact with you as he added, “I’m happy to see you again.”

To Deuce’s surprise, relief, and triumph, you blushed. Your smile - he could have died happy right then and there. “Me too,” you giggled, clearly a little bashful.

Many of your friends exchanged knowing looks between them. The redhead and the crocodile fae, as usual, were oblivious - for now.

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