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darknight3904 · 5 months

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It Burns For You

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: ɪɴ ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏʀʏᴏ ɢʀᴏᴡ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴏʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀʏ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: ɴᴏɴᴇ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ. ᴏᴏᴄ ᴄᴏʀʏᴏ, ʜᴇ'ꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛᴏᴛᴀʟʟʏ ʜᴇᴀᴅ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ʜᴇᴇʟꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ. ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ!

ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴡᴏ

Coriolanus is 12 when he sees you for the first time. Your red uniform is pressed perfectly and your school bag looks brand new. Your lunch consisted of a hearty-looking sandwich with roast beef and lettuce and a container of fresh fruit that had his mouth-watering.

"Do you want a piece? Our maid always packs too much and I can never finish it. You can have some if you want." Your voice fills his ears

A delicate-looking hand is holding a juicy-looking strawberry in front of him. He reaches for it and it takes every ounce of self-control he has not to shove it in his mouth. Instead, he takes a small bite and thanks you for sharing.

"Don't you have a lunch today?" You ask

He doesn't. The school had said they would start supplying the students with lunches soon but how soon? Coriolanus had already been attending for a number of years and still nothing.

"I already ate it." He lied

"You're still hungry though. You can have the rest." You say with a smile as you push your fruit bowl to him.

"Is it your first day?" He asks

"Yes, my mother thought that my governess wasn't doing a good job so she had my father enroll me here. I miss being at home with my new kitten though. She has long white hair and she is the cutest thing in the whole world." You said

Coriolanus can't believe that you had your own governess, let alone a pet to call your own. He later learns from Arachne that your father became incredibly rich by manufacturing weaponry for the Capitol. Despite your inherent wealth, you've never flashed it around him.

You and Coriolanus are 15 when you discover all the lies he tells at school about his family. He had left his uniform jacket behind on his chair and you got his home address from Sejanus, meaning to give it back so he'd have it for tomorrow. Instead, you had discovered the Snow's decrepit-looking building and barely functioning penthouse. Coriolanus' heart nearly stops when he emerges from his room to see you and his Grandma'am sitting together as she compliments your shoes.

"What are you doing here?" He asks, ready for your judgment and teasing words

"I wanted to return your jacket, Coryo. You'll need it for tomorrow."

The red of the jacket in your arms matches his face as he ushers you to the door, trying to hide the fact that Tigris was preparing cabbage in the kitchen that would undoubtedly stink the entire place up with the scent of the Snow's poverty.

"Stop rushing me, your cousin invited me to stay for dinner." You say trying to stop the way he is leading you to the door.

"You don't want what she is making. Tigris is a terrible cook." He said

Tigris lets out a shout of disagreement from the stove and Coriolanus ignores it.

"How about, I go out and get something to add to the meal Tigris is cooking, and by the time I get back you change your attitude about me staying for dinner Coryo. "

And with that, you walk out the door and slam it in his face. He's rather stunned at your declaration but knows you're serious. He rushes around their home, trying to clean up what he can while Tigris laughs at his frantic motions. Then, just as he was debating whether or not he wanted to change out of his uniform, you return from your short trip to the closest market.

"I wasn't sure what Tigris is cooking so I got a couple of things." You say placing the bags on the table.

Coriolanus is sure you spent a fortune on what is in these bags. Fresh bread accompanied by a sickly sweet fruit spread and a block of butter sits in one while the other holds something else in a brown box. You take your seat next to him at the ugly little table he has eaten too many meals at and cut a piece of the bread for Grandma'am. He is worried when Tigris starts portioning out the cabbage she cooked on the stove. Coriolanus watches your expression as you take a bite but nothing that he expected happens. You don't knit your brows in disgust or get up to leave and take your fresh bread and mysterious box with you. Instead, you go back for a second bite and compliment what Tigris has done with the food.

He sits stiffly next to you and can barely accept the slice of bread you offer him. You excuse yourself to use the bathroom and Tigris reaches across the table and pinches his shoulder.

"Stop sitting like that, Coryo!" She scolds

"Like what?" He asks,aware that Tigris meant how oddly straight his back was.

"You're making her uncomfortable. You've been friends with her for years she isn't worried about what our home looks like." Tigris says

"She might not be but what happens when she goes to school tomorrow and talks?" He asks

He shuts up when he hears the sound of the bathroom door opening again.

"That was lovely Tigris. I've never had anything like it, I'll have to invite you all to my own home for dinner sometime. Our cook makes these pastries that are simply wonderful. They even get sold at local markets, which leads to this..."

His eyes widen when you finally unveil what was hiding in that second bag. A dozen expensive looking deserts sit in the brown box you brought, each one decorated differently.

"I hope I picked something everyone would like. I know Coryo mentioned that Grandma'am liked chocolate so I picked this one just for her."

Coriolanus feels a wide smile stretch across his face as you pass out your little desserts. His worries about you gossiping to their peers fade from view as he bites into what he thinks is a croissant. You laugh at his reaction and toss a napkin at his face which is most likely covered in the gooey fruit filling that was in his pastry.

He walks you back to your home that night and thanks you for making his night. He can't remember the last time Grandma'am had smiled from eating chocolate. You accept his thanks and gently tell him that he shouldn't be ashamed about his financial situation. He never gets to disagree with you though because a soft kiss is pressed to his lips followed by a rushed,

"Goodnight, Coryo! Thanks for the cabbage!"

He walks back to his own home with a jump in his step. Thoughts of you consume him as he smiles to himself, proud his first kiss was shared with you. He feels his heart burn with something that felt like it was going to come up and out his mouth as he finally made it back to his room, you officially had him wrapped around your finger.

Your room is flooded with sunlight the first time Coriolanus sees it. A soft, silky-looking bed spread sits atop one of the biggest beds he has seen as you beckon to your cat, Maisy to come and say hello to him. He looks at the oversized wooden dresser that sits against one wall. He sees the photograph of him and you that was taken a few weeks ago at your 17th birthday party nestled among little knickknacks. Books Coriolanus has never even heard of line your shelves as he you place a record on the player that sits on your desk. Soft sounds of a piano and the words from an unnamed singer fill your gorgeous room as he turns to you.

"Do you want to dance?" He finds himself asking

You accept and he leads you or well tries to. You're rather stiff and it turns out dancing is harder than it looks because he isn't any good at it either. You laugh as he trips over his feet and end up falling with him, landing on the ground entangled in each other. Your fingers brush his curls from his eyes as his nose brushes yours.

"What're you doing?" You ask quietly

"Nothing." He responds, his eyes flicking to your lips.

The moment his lips touch yours, a tingle shoots down his spine. This is a real kiss, not what you gave him when you were both 15. He cups your face and your hands are tangled in his hair as he deepens it. He felt his head spin as you moved against him, almost as if you wanted him to swallow you whole right here on your bedroom floor. A giddy feeling swelled in his chest when he pulled away for air.

"Coryo...what was that?" You ask

"I thought you'd know by now. That was a kiss, darling." He laughed brushing his thumb across your lip

"I know that...but why'd you give me one?" You ask

"Don't you know?" He smiles and places a chaste kiss on your lips "My heart, it burns for you, it always has."

Part 2 is out now!

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etfrin · 3 months

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❝ꜱᴏᴜʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴄʀᴜꜱʜ❞ — chapter ten | coriolanus snow

「ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ:」 SFW | Coriolanus Snow, elitism | lmk if I forgot anything

「ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ:」 young! Coriolanus Snow x fem! Reader

「ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:」 Coriolanus and you wake up together in the morning of the games!

「ᴀ/ɴ:」 i hope y'all like this!!

Beta read by 🎉 @nowitsmissing

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Coriolanus Snow got out of the shower, the boy freshly dressed in a white, too-tight shirt and charcoal pants. You were sleeping on the bed, curled to his side right now. He should wake you up for breakfast. After he told Tigris a friend had stayed over the night, she was excited that this was the first guest they had in years and how glad she was that Coriolanus found a true friend.

A true friend. He certainly wasn't used to it. You never met his expectations, always managing to ruin his prediction of the future whenever it involved you. You were everything, you were an enigma, addicting and unsolvable.

God bless Tigris, when she heard about you, she went out to get groceries with whatever penny she had. She had assured Coriolanus that your first meal in this house wouldn't be the flavorless cabbage soup. Coryo was glad that at least he wouldn't have to face the embarrassment of not even serving proper food.

Coryo decided to cook for you himself. He wanted to make sure everything is as perfect as it gets. Tigris had found some tomatoes and strawberries for cheap! There was bread that was expired, but it's only been three days and you didn't have to know. So he decided to make tomato soup and toasted bread with strawberries for dessert.

When grandma’am was busy, he even took the risk of stealing roses from the penthouse. He had some mint leaves in the fridge. He wanted to make a drink for you. He rinsed the roses, crushing the petals and the mint together. He mixes the juice from the paste in cold water. He swirls the liquid with a spoon and watches it turn light green.

He takes a small sip, the strong floral flavor of the roses tasting well with the freshness of the mint. He smiles satisfied. He doesn't let Tigris do any of the work, he sets the table, and the food himself. Changing positions of the plate every few minutes to make sure everything is acceptable and up to standard. Just because his house isn't made of diamonds anymore doesn't mean that the Snows' have forgotten how to treat their guests.

After everything was deemed perfect in his eyes, he opened his bedroom door to wake you up. You were already awake. Sitting up on the bed, your face sleepy. You could barely keep your eyes open and he almost wanted to suggest that you go back to sleep. You looked so cute! You blink several times, gaining sense, and look at him with an unfiltered grin.

“Good morning, Coryo,” you greet him, your eyes shining.

“Good morning,” he said, softly, feeling his heart getting warm. “Come on, you can freshen up in the bathroom. I made breakfast.”

You nod and make your way to the bathroom. Coriolanus waits for your arrival, he keeps the seat beside him free. Tigris chatted excitedly about some new designs and Grandma'am wasn't at her best to make conversations (which he was grateful for).

You come out of the washroom, your face fresh and your hair somewhat tamed. You eye the empty seat beside him and take it. You introduced yourself softly to the family and watched their eyes widen when they realized who you were and the power your family held.

Coriolanus felt proud. That's his soulmate, he wanted to say but didn't. He had to be patient, he had to be careful. He wasted a decade of his life, he can't mess this up.

You looked at the food, and he felt worried that you wouldn't like it. He knew this was nothing compared to the meal you have in your home, heck even the Academy had better food than this! You looked back at him and whispered, “You cooked this yourself?”

Coriolanus nodded, not sure if the question was a good or bad thing. Will you refuse to eat it because it was made by a boy who starves daily and has no idea what fine cuisine tastes like? Will you break his heart like that, and prove that you're predictable?

He swallows, his throat dry as he watches you sip the rosemint water he made. You take some toasted bread onto your plate, your bowl filled with tomato soup. You dip the toast into the soup and take a bite.

Neither Coriolanus nor Tigris had started their meal waiting for your reaction. Coriolanus was getting worried sick about how horrible it was, he shouldn't have let you come and see him so undone, so raw. He ruined everything. You can't possibly-

“This is delicious,” you exclaimed with joy, “I can't believe you cooked this, Coryo!”

Tigris chuckled, glad that you liked it, “He has magic hands.”

“I think it's your hands that are magic, Tigris,” he said. He turns to you, “She's a designer.”

You make small talk with Tigris, asking about her works and Coriolanus feels himself to calm down. He begins to nibble at his bread, taking small sips of the soup to save it for later. He couldn't believe his reality, it felt like a fever.

He was afraid a wrong move would wake him up. He couldn't have that when he finally felt at home in the ruins of his penthouse. He would always remember the moment of you giggling and Tigris talking about her ideas. The two of you are seemingly turning into friends. He loved to see the two most important women in his life bonding.

Of course, the moment has to be shattered. Life doesn't let him keep his smile up for long. Oh, how cruel the fates were to remind him of his true reality.

“Hopefully, Coryo, I will return the favor by cooking you a meal one day.”

“We don't want your disgusting, filthy district food,” his Grandma’am sneered.

“Well, then I am sure you'll like it enough if it's made by my Capitol-blooded Michelin star chef.”

In a moment, you have revealed your status, that you were above Coriolanus and his family who couldn't even dream of having a chef in their home anymore. You showed that no matter what, you were higher than him, that you weren't equal. That you were simply indulging him in his foolish quest of making a good breakfast. That it could never be truly compared.

And you also knew you fucked up by saying that. Coriolanus knee you weren't in the wrong, but he couldn't help the hurt he felt by the remainder of it all.

He has to win the Plinth Prize at any cost.

You profusely apologize and even though Tigris said it's alright, you get up from the table without finishing the meal. You go back to his room. He doesn't finish his meal either, his stomach filled with disappointment. He follows you into the room. You turn to him as he closes the door.

“I am sorry!” You said, “It was uncalled for. She's old and it's-”

“It’s fine,” he cuts in, giving you a fake polite smile reserved for his classmates, “I think she would like it more if it's done by a Michelin star chef.”

“Coriolanus,” you said, walking up to him, your hands cradling his face as you cage him to the door. Oh, how delightful the cage is for him.

“I am sorry!” you plead, and for a moment he thought you were simply performing. This was all a huge joke, and he's just a punchline.

“Real or not?” He whispered, his lips close to yours.

“Real,” you answered, “I didn't mean it like that. I didn't mean to brag- after finally you-” You stopped your words and leaned in instead but Coriolanus flinched back. Not until he's equal to you. He won't have you as Coryo, the poor starving boy from the Capitol. He will have you as Coriolanus Snow, the winner of it all, the heir of the Snow lineage.

You hide the hurt on your face and lean back.

The silence in the room was thick and awkward. There are hours before the games start. Coriolanus needed to practice self-control because he wanted to pull you right back in his arms, push you against the door, and capture your lips. He wants to taste the mint and the rose on your tongue, he wants to ruin your ability to think and wants to steal your breath.

But he doesn't do any of it.

His eyes flicker to the box underneath his table. It was labeled as rat poison. Your eyes follow his gaze and it snapped back to meet his eyes again. It was amazing how a conversation was held without even saying a word.

Lucy Gray is weak. She won't last a minute in the arena.

They'll know.

They won't, not if she wins.

“Coryo,” you begin to say.

“I have to do this,” he firmly said, “You know why.” So that we can be equals, he thinks, so that I don't have to flinch back from your lips because I don't feel worthy of you.

“How will you even hide it?” You asked, your eyebrows furrowed.

Coriolanus Snow takes out a powder compact from his drawer. It was silver in color and was decorated with an engraved rose. It was his mother's. In difficult times, when he had trouble falling asleep, he would click it open and inhale the rose scent of the silken cake of powder within.

He clicks it open now, the cake of rose-scented flowers spreads the fragrance across his bedroom. You come in closer and gently pry the compact from his hands to yours. He lets you because he trusts you.

“Your mother's?” You questioned.

“Yes,” he replied, unable to keep his emotions in check. “She's always with me with this and she will help me win the games.”

You don't say anything but put down the compact gently on the desk before wrapping your arms around him. “Your mom would be proud of you, Coryo,” you said. Coriolanus wanted to question how would you know, you never even met her. However, your words brought him comfort and it gave him the courage to pull out the cake powder and contain it before filling the compact with rat poison.

“Let me drop you off at the Zoo,” you said, your fingertip tracing over the rose. Your other hand holds his cheek, your thumb caressing him gently. He closed his eyes, feeling all of his tension leave. He couldn't describe how calm he felt from your touch. How right it was for you to touch him.

“Okay,” he lets out, “Let me change first.”

He changed into his pristine academy uniform. He makes sure all of his curls are in place. He has to hold your hands and glare at you playfully when you try to mess it up.

“Don't,” he warns with a small smile. And you pout and for a moment he gives in. He gives into himself and- before his lips can touch yours, you pull back. So, he held your hand up and kissed your knuckle instead.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice sincere, “for everything.”

For saving him. For supporting him. For being his.

Both of you got in the car, the plan was to drive Coriolanus to the zoo. He will deliver it to Lucy Gray and go directly to the Academy by foot while you go back to your house for a change of clothes and then go to the Academy.

The car ride is quiet, neither of you wanting to say too much but unwilling to reveal anything. You park the car in front of the Zoo gates. He opens his mouth to say goodbye but you interrupt first by saying,

“May the odds be in your favor, Coryo. See you at the Games, pretty boy.”

NEXT PART

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jillraggett · 9 months

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Plant of the Day

Saturday 22 July 2023

On the seashore outside Lerwick, Shetland, the wild Crambe maritima (sea kale, sea cabbage, sea colewort) was in full flower. This coastal tolerant herbaceous perennial forms a clump of large, wavy blue-green leaves, surrounded by dense racemes of small white honey-scented flowers.

Jill Raggett

#Crambe #seakale #seacabbage #seacolewort #whiteflowers #scented #plants #edibles #wildflowers #horticulture #shetland

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chic-a-gigot · 2 months

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La Mode nationale, no. 5, 5 février 1898, Paris. No. 9. — Groupe de chapeaux. Bibliothèque nationale de France

(1) Béret en velours rubis, garni de 6 plumes noires formant éventail, retenues au centre par une boucle en strass et tombant devant sur le bord du chapeau.

(1) Ruby velvet beret, garnished with 6 black feathers forming a fan, held in the center by a rhinestone buckle and falling in front on the edge of the hat.

—

(2) Chapeau de jeune fille, en drap gris, garni de plumes assorties retenues au pied par un chou de velours de la même teinte.

(2) Young girl's hat, in gray cloth, trimmed with matching feathers held at the foot by a velvet collar of the same shade.

—

(3) Petite toque de théâtre en velours bleu turquoise, garnie de touffes de violettes et d'un motif de strass.

(3) Small theater hat in turquoise blue velvet, garnished with tufts of violets and a rhinestone motif.

—

(4) Chapeau rond très relevé de côté, en velours vert, tout coulissé, garni de dentelle blanche mélangée à un nœud de satin blanc et de velours vert dans lequel sont placées 2 aigrettes en paradis noir. Nœud de satin posant sur les cheveux.

(4) Round hat very raised on the side, in green velvet, all slid, trimmed with white lace mixed with a bow of white satin and green velvet in which are placed 2 egrets in black paradise. Satin bow posing on the hair.

—

(5) Capote pour jeune femme, toute en paillettes d'argent, garnie d'un panache de plumes et d'une aigrette blanches au pied desquelles est posé un gros chou de velours violet.

(5) Hood for a young woman, all in silver sequins, garnished with a plume of feathers and a white egret at the foot of which is placed a large purple velvet cabbage.

—

(6) Petit chapeau en velours coulissé bleu de roi, garni de 3 plumes et d'une aigrette blanches posées de côté.

(6) Small hat in royal blue drawstring velvet, garnished with 3 white feathers and an egret placed on the side.

—

(7) Béret pour jeune femme, en taffetas rouge entièrement coulissé en forme de choux, dans lesquels on place une fantaisie en strass.

(7) Beret for young women, in red taffeta, entirely slid in the shape of cabbages, in which a rhinestone decoration is placed.

—

(8) Chapeau rond en feutre gris. La calotte est en taffetas bouillonné gris, une grande amazone noire est posée de côté, retenue au pied par une grande boucle en cailloux du Rhin.

(8) Round gray felt hat. The cap is made of gray bubbled taffeta, a large black Amazon is placed on the side, held at the foot by a large loop of Rhine pebbles.

—

(9) Chapeau rond en feutre blanc, très relevé de côté. Torsade de velours orange entourant la passe et panache de plumes noires garnissant le côté.

(9) Round white felt hat, raised high on the side. Twist of orange velvet surrounding the pass and plume of black feathers garnishing the side.

—

(10) Petit tricorne en paillettes d'argent, garni de plumes noires dans lesquelles se pose une agrafe en strass. Torsade de velours rouge sur les cheveux.

(10) Small tricorn in silver sequins, garnished with black feathers in which a rhinestone clasp is placed. Red velvet twist on hair.

—

(11) Chapeau forme amazone, relevé des deux côtés, en velours vert d'eau, le bord est coulissé et se termine devant apr un nœud en velours. Nœud de satin vert d'eau sur le côté, dans lequel est posé un oiseau vert à aigrettes noires.

(11) Amazon-shaped hat, raised on both sides, in sea green velvet, the brim is slid and ends in front with a velvet bow. Water green satin bow on the side, in which is placed a green bird with black egrets.

—

(12) Béret coulissé en drap gris perle, garni de côté de trois plumes noires en touffe, au pied desquelles sont posés un chou de velours noir avec une boucle de jais et un autre chou en velours orange.

(12) Drawn beret in pearl gray cloth, garnished on the side with three black feathers in a tuft, at the foot of which are placed a black velvet cabbage with a jet curl and another orange velvet cabbage.

—

(13) Petit capote en velours rubis, garnie sur le côté d'un gros oiseau noir.

(13) Small ruby velvet hood, garnished on the side with a large black bird.

—

(14) Chapeau rond, en feutre gris, garni de deux plumes grises formant couronne, retenues devant par un chou en velours mauve dans lequel on met un motif en cailloux du Rhin.

(14) Round hat, in gray felt, garnished with two gray feathers forming a crown, held in front by a mauve velvet collar in which a pattern of Rhine pebbles is placed.

—

(15) Petit chapeau en satin coulissé bleu ciel, fond mou en velours beige, presque blanc, piqeon blanc posé de côté, piquet de roses posant sur les cheveux.

(15) Small sky blue sliding satin hat, soft beige, almost white velvet base, white peg placed on the side, peg of roses resting on the hair.

—

(16) Chapeau forme toque en velours noir, relevé des deux côtés. Le bord est en tulle pailleté avec un coulissé de velours noir formant tête. Plumes noires posées de côté retenues par des choux de velours vieux rose.

(16) Toque-shaped hat in black velvet, raised on both sides. The edge is in glittery tulle with a black velvet drawstring forming the head. Black feathers placed aside held by old pink velvet puffs.

#La Mode nationale #19th century #1890s #1898 #on this day #February 5 #periodical #fashion #fashion plate #color #description #bibliothèque nationale de france #dress #hat #collar #bow

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astarion-approves · 8 months

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The Waiter

'There stood the most gorgeous man Tav had ever seen in their life. Tall with pale skin, ruby red eyes, and hair as white as snow. There was a certain air about him, it felt like being charmed into bed without so much as speaking a single word in return.'

The reader falls in love with their waiter in the Czech Republic.

Modern day 'reader' x Astarion. 1.7k words

Slightly NSFT (no actual sex or descriptive sex), excessive second hand embarrassment, reader is a moron, some Czech, third person.

Thank you to @chenziee for your help on this. I only speak English and she was an absolute saint to translate some dialogue for me.

Keep reading for the full story.

The Czech Republic was seemingly a little peaceful country compared to America, but the food was… interesting to say the least. Time after time, Tav found themselves in search of something familiar to have during their vacation. They ended up spending more time having fruit, cheese, and wine than anything else.

Finally, their friend, Eliška, put her foot down, dragging Tav to a traditional restaurant and insisting they try the food that her country has to offer.

“I warned you before you came to visit,” the friend said with a soft laugh as they were both seated at a small circular table. “I knew you wouldn’t like our food.”

Tav crossed their arms over their chest in defense. “It’s not my fault all your food looks so…” They gestured to a plate being carried out from the kitchen, something that looked like raw dough covered in a brown gravy with some form of meat and cabbage next to it. “Whatever the hell that is.”

“Vepřo knedlo zelo,” Eliška spoke quickly, the foreign language beautiful but words Tav didn’t understand. “It’s roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut.”

Tav shrugged. “That doesn’t sound bad. I guess I could get that.”

“Nope,” Eliška shook her head and opened the menu that was sitting on the table. “I’ll be picking for you.”

“Oh shit,” Tav grabbed their own menu, hoping to see what monstrosity their friend might order for them.

But of course it was all in Czech.

“Anything but blood sausage, please.”

Eliška snorted but continued flipping through the menu, a menu with no pictures of course.

While she browsed you stared at what you assumed was the wine menu, ‘Víno’ was one of the only words Tav managed to learn thus far and being drunk on vacation was their plan for most of the trip anyway.

“Dobrý den. Máte vybráno?”

Tav looked up from their menu, their eyes meeting with the waiter, and they felt as if they’d been kicked in the chest.

There stood the most gorgeous man Tav had ever seen in their life. Tall with pale skin, ruby red eyes, and hair as white as snow. There was a certain air about him, it felt like being charmed into bed without so much as speaking a single word in return.

Tav leaned forward in their chair, trying to figure out if those red eyes were just a pair of contact lenses. He tilted his head and raised a single brow at them.

Fuck—that was adorable.

Tav looked to their friend, who was still studying the menu. They mumbled something to the waiter, which Tav assumed was ‘just a second.’ The waiter nodded and turned to leave—

“Is he on the menu?” Tav blurted out before the waiter was outside of ear shot. “Because I want a bite of that."

“Jesus Christ, Tav.” Eliška swung the menu across the table, successfully hitting Tav on the side of their head. “Don’t just say shit like that!”

“It’s not like he speaks English anyway!” Tav defended. They’ve only been in the Czech Republic for a few days but besides their friend and other tourists they haven’t come across many non-native English speakers that could understand Tav’s version of English. Plus, only much younger people seemed to be learning English, while their waiter looked to be in his early 40s. “Anyone who speaks English here can’t understand me, we’re fine. I speak too quickly, remember?”

Eliška glared at Tav. “You only say that because I do all the talking. Please just.. try to hold your tongue. You could offend him.”

Tav held their hands up. “No promises.”

Soon the waiter returned, carrying two glasses, one in each hand. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, exposing his strong forearms riddled with thick veins. Tav sat back in their chair and just watched as the man put a glass down in front of them. How could forearms be that sexy?

“We need a new waiter, I’m going to melt just by looking at this man.”

“Tav,” Eliška hissed. “Shut the fuck up.”

He looked between the two of you in confusion before speaking, ��Vybrali jste?”

“Dvakrát tlačenku s chlebem, džbán s vodou a sedmičku rulandy červené, prosím,” Eliška replied quickly, refusing to look at Tav while they spoke.

The waiter nodded, scribbling into a notepad with what Tav assumed was Eliška’s order.

“Did you get wine? If not put him in a tall glass for me—“

Eliška kicked Tav under the table, making them gasp in pain. Those heels were vicious.

“Ask him what his name is, I want to know what name I’m going to be dreaming of tonight.”

“Tav—“

“Oh my god we should ask him to take a picture with us to celebrate my first traditional meal—“

“Tav, stop—“

“Oh yes, kind sir, in my country waiters do take their shirts off for photos, it’s perfectly normal—“

“Tav, so help me god—“

“What’s ‘please fuck me’ in Czech?”

“‘Fuck’ is pretty fucking universal word, you idiot.”

“Just ask him his name, please?” Tav put their hands together, begging their friend for this one favor. This one obnoxious, ridiculous favor.

Eliška sighed and turned to the waiter, who still stood there looking confused but seemingly entertained at their interaction. “Já se moc omlouvám, mojeho kamaráda by hrozně zajímalo... Jak se jmenujete?”

The waiter chuckled, putting his notepad away and turning to Tav. He crouched down, putting himself at eye level with Tav. “Astarion,” he spoke slowly, softly, his voice deep and calm. Those red eyes stared back at Tav with ease, glimmering with amusement.

“Oh,” Tav breathed out. “Fuck, even his name is gorgeous… Astarion.”

Astarion smiled and stood back up, then Eliška thanked him and finally let him leave the table, the waiter pausing to look back at their table once before going into the kitchen.

“Astarion,” Tav repeated the name, enjoying the way it felt on their tongue. “Astarion—“

“Mhm, and not a common name in Czech at all, Tav.”

“Sounds Czech to me.”

“It’s not—“

“Oh he’s coming back!” Tav was grinning at his return, excited to see him again so soon, and carrying a bottle of red wine.”

Astarion opened the bottle with ease, pouring some into a glass and handing it to Eliška to be tested. She lightly twirled the glass before taking a small sip. But Tav wasn’t even paying attention to what she thought of the wine. They were more interested in watching Astarion as they worked.

“He opened the bottle so easily, Eliška. It's official. I'm in love.”

Eliška hummed and took another sip of the wine. “It’s literally his job to open bottles all day, Tav.”

“Bet he’s skilled with those long fingers then.”

Eliška ignored Tav and put her glass down. She spoke to Astarion, who filled the glasses and placed the bottle down between them.

Soon Astarion was leaving again, only to return shortly and carrying two plates to their table. Tav smiled as the meal was placed in front of them—

But the smile dropped into a frown when they looked from Astarion’s handsome face to the plate he just set down.

“What in the fuck did you order us?”

Eliška snorted into her wine, breaking into a laugh as she watched Tav stare at their meal in shock. “It’s domácí tlačenka.”

“Eliška, this looks like if you took bologna and made it evil.” Tav poked at the meat with a fork, unsure of how to proceed.

“Try it,” Eliška replied. “You’ll like it.”

“Astarion,” Tav looked away from their plate and to the now grinning waiter, at least he was being entertained by the silly picky American. “My future husband, can you believe she’s trying to make me eat this?”

“No.”

“See!” Tav pushed their plate away, refusing to try the dish. “Even this handsome god of a man doesn’t like it.”

“Uhhhh… Tav—“ Eliška tried to speak before being cut off by them.

“You can eat this weird ass dish, meanwhile I’m going to drag Astarion to the nearest hotel and let him be my meal instead,” Tav said and laughed at their own joke.

Eliška just stared at Tav in horror. “Tav… you need to stop speaking now.”

“Stop worrying,” Tav said and rolled their eyes. “He doesn’t understand me. Right, Astarion?”

“Right.”

“Just like I said, Eliška. He doesn’t speak a single word of English.”

“Not a single word,” Astarion said with a nod.

“Tav, please... take a second and think—“ Eliška grimaced as Tav cut her off once again. This time the woman keeping her mouth shut.

“I could go on for hours with everything playing through my mind right now with this man—“

“Oh my, please do tell.“

Tav laughed and turned their focus onto the waiter, who simply smiled back at them. “I’m here for two more weeks on vacation but I don’t want to see the sun again. I want you in my hotel room, fucking me until I can’t walk, fucking me until I forget my own name, fucking me until I lose sense of time and the Czech government comes to find me because I’ve been reported missing—“

“That is an awful lot of sex, not that I’m opposed to it—“

“I’m going to drag you back home with me, just so I can wake up every morning and see the most handsome creature in the world lying next to me every day of the rest for my life.”

“How romantic.”

“Then I’ll marry you and we’ll be together forever.”

“Fine. But only if we continue living here. American healthcare is a joke.”

Tav laughed and turned back to Eliška, smirking at them in a ‘I told you so’ kind of way.

“See? He doesn’t speak any English.”

“Tav… You are an absolute fucking moron.”

“What—“

Astarion hummed, drawing Tav’s attention back to himself.. “I can’t miss work, but I do get off in two hours. Let’s try a date first, before we get married. Alright?”

Astarion turned and left, the waiter laughing to himself as he disappeared into the kitchen once more.

“Wait…” Tav looked from the kitchen and to Eliška. “Did he just speak English?”

Eliška just shook her head in disbelief.

253 notes · View notes

nottapossum · 1 month

Text

Itty Bitty Sinners 1.6

Pirates and dolls 🏴‍☠️🧸

⚠️TW⚠️: Abusive parents, taking away comfort items, implied sexual abuse, losing a pet, being ignored, being abandoned, having to give up a pet.

Lmk if I should add.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

'I was never a sharp one

But I try to write even when it's dull

This night is a dark one

But sometimes I like when it gets cold

Yeah, all of my movies play in black and white

This wasn't the same old plot I thought I had in mind

Don't ask me if I'm alright, I can't decide

I'm spiraling down, don't wanna take you on a ride.' ~Tony22, Safe place.

~~~Velvette past: Age 13~~~

Velvette's favorite doll was her cabbage patch doll, her name was Nicoline katherine.

It was a gift from her grandmother when she turned five.

She was the only person in Velvette's life who actually listened to her, the only one she could tell anything to without being shot down, judged, or made fun of.

School was awful, home was worse- both of them. And she just needed one person to share her frustrations with.

On this specific day, she came home from school in need of a friend.

She wasn't exactly popular, in fact she was the very opposite.

She wore clothes the other kids found weird, she was loud and overenthusiastic, and though she was really smart, she never did well on tests so everyone of course thought she must be dumb.

It was an awful day, the worst day possible! She hated the world and hated everyone in it.

She ignored her siblings, ignored her step mother, ignored everyone who tried talking to her when she got home in favor of walking upstairs to talk to Nicoline.

But she walked into her room and saw her beloved doll gone.

“Dad? Have you seen my doll?!” She shouts.

Her father does not answer her.

What a surprise.

Velvette sighs and stomps downstairs. “Dad?!"

“Woah, hey. What's going on?” Julie, her stepmother asks, standing in her way. "What happened?"

“My doll isn't in my room.” She says.

“Oh, maybe Sasha took it." She suggests.

“What? She isn't even old enough to climb the stairs!" Velvette says, walking over to the small two year old holding her doll.

“Sasha!” Velvette shouted, she took the doll from Sasha and caused the little one to cry.

“Hey, leave her alone!" Her father snapped at her. "What is the matter with you?" He asks, taking the doll from her.

“That's my doll.” Velvette tells him. "She stole it!"

“Okay. And? You can't share it with her?" He asks.

"No!"

"Aren't you a little too old for dolls anyway?” He asks her.

“No, aren't you too old to be jobless?" She asks.

“Hey, you will treat me with respect, young lady!” He scolds. "I didn't tolerate this attitude with your mother, I won't tolerate it from you!"

"So divorce me too then!" She shouts. "I don't care!"

He doesn't respond to that, he just hands the doll to his other daughter.

“She's my doll! You can't just give her away just because you like your cheater brat more!” Velvette shouted.

She's slapped across the face.

She looks up at her father again, holding her cheek.

“Go upstairs to your room. I don't want to hear it.” He said.

So she went upstairs and slammed the door.

That was the only time her father ever struck her.

Because Velvette never gave him a reason to…

She didn't talk to him much except to answer questions.

And when she turned 14, her mother got full custody.

And no, she didn't get her doll back.

Her mother agreed she was too old for dolls, so the rest were given to charity.

She didn't complain.

A good child was a quiet one after all.

She took her frustrations elsewhere.

At school,

Then later online.

No one was safe from her opinions there.

She also vowed to buy herself a thousand dolls when she became an adult.

She didn't need her parents.

She didn't need anyone!

She could be her own parent.

~~~Angel:~~~

Angel woke up the next day, just relieved to be in the hotel, and not at Val's place.

He got up, completely ignoring his phone in case Val was going to try and convince him to work today…

He just can't today, he doesn't care what Val does.

Angel got himself ready for the day ahead.

Took a shower, brushed his hair, got a bit of makeup on…not a lot just enough to cover the black around his eye that Val so “lovingly” caused and some mascara to make him look more awake than he actually was.

It was enough to convince them that he was still worth investing in.

It's enough to make them think he's okay.

Yeah. It's good. He's good.

Angel opens the door to his bedroom to meet with everyone downstairs, he's ready to fake a smile through the next couple of hours- but he sees someone waiting at his door.

“Good morning, Angel.” An annoying smile says to him.

Angel sighs. “What do you want, Al?”

“Me? Oh nothing.” He says. “Just wanted to make sure everything was alright. You seemed so upset about Niffty taking your baby blanket yesterday.”

“It's not a baby blanket.” Angel growls.

“Oh? Then what is it?” Alastor asks.

“It's…it belongs to fat nuggets.” Angel says.

“Oh, yes of course. Silly me.”Alastor says, tilting his head to peek inside Angel's room. “So, I suppose it's safe to assume the adult sized pacifier is also his?” he asks, leaning on the doorframe.

Angel looks behind him and sees Fat Nuggets with his pacifier.

Shit! How does he keep getting a hold of that!?

He takes the pacifier from Nuggs quickly.

The pig just sat down on the floor and smiles, the piglet so proud of himself, thinking he did something good…

Angel doesn't have the heart to tell him what he's actually done.

Angel anxiously fiddled with two of his hands, one was gripping the pacifier tightly, and the last was tugging at his hair.

He was screwed.

“What's the matter, Angel?” Alastor asks. “Are you afraid?”

“Al, I think even you can understand why I don't want this getting out.” Angel says.

“Don't want what getting out?” Alastor asks.

Angel crosses two of his arms. “Stop playing dumb.”

Alastor scoffs. “Honestly, Angel. What's the big deal?” He asks. “Are you worried they'll judge you?” Alastor asks.

Angel crosses his arms. “No.”

“Worried they'll think you're too much to handle and leave you?” He asks. “You don't have to be. I'm sure Husker won't abandon your friendship once he finds out about it.” He says, still smiling.

Angel froze…

Once he finds out?

Angel takes a deep breath, he has no patience for this. “What do you mean by that?” he asks, starting to sound Angry.

Alastor simply shrugged. “Nothing.”

“What do you want? I don't have much of a soul to sell if that’s what you're after.” Angel says.

“Oh, I desire nothing from you. I simply wanted to talk, catch up.” Alastor says.

“I don't believe you.” Angel says. “You always have an angle.”

Alastor shrugs, then he disappears into a shadow.

“Al wait- ugh fuck!” Angel curses.

Angel walks back into his room and throws his pacifier against the wall.

Angel sits on the floor. “Shitshitshitshitshit! What am I going to do- honestly, of all the people to find out! Why did it have to be him?” He asks out loud.

Nuggets fetched the pacifier to give it back to Angel.

He takes the pacifier from his baby piglet, and sets it aside. He picks up Nuggets and holds him close. “Thanks Nuggs.”

What was Alastor up to?

And more importantly, how was he going to stop that strawberry fucker to keep his mouth shut?

~~~Charlie:~~~

After the group had completed their trust exercises for the day, Charlie and Pentious went to her office for their daily age regression session!

Angel hardly said a thing all day, it worried Charlie greatly….

Was he okay?

Was something wrong?

Can she help?

She shook her head. ‘No no, focus on Pentious, talk to Angel later.’ She decided.

“Okay Pentious, I thought we'd try something new today. Something a bit more vulnerable.” Charlie says.

Pentious tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I got you another gift.” She says, handing him a box.

Pentious opens it, this time without hesitation and smiles when he sees a little soft toy....Teddies he thinks they’re called! He didn't have them as a kid, but he's pretty sure that's what they are called.

In the box was also a super soft blanket with an elephant on it.

The teddy wore a hat...he liked that about it.

He stared at it for a moment...something was strangely familiar about it…

Something…nostalgic.

And…comforting?

“Pentious?” Charlie asks. “Are you okay?”

“What- what is it?” Pen asks her.

“It's a little dog plushie.” Charlie says.

“It's a dog?” Pen asks.

“Yeah, I thought it was a bunny at first but I looked it up and…”

Charlie's voice muffled underneath his thoughts.

Of course he was a dog. A very good dog.

Yes, that's what this was!

A good little puppy.

~~~Past:~~~

“Okay, baby blow out your candles.” His mother told him.

He squeezed his eyes shut and made his wish before blowing out the single candle on his cake.

“What did you wish for?” His mother asks.

He shut his mouth tightly.

“What? You won't tell me?” She asks.

Pen shakes his head.

“Can I make a guess?” His father asks.

Pen thinks about it and nods.

“Is it a…new pair of shoes?” He asks.

Pen shakes his head. "No."

“Is it a new book?” He asks.

Pen shakes his head again.

“I only have one more guess…is your wish… in this box?” His father asks, handing him a box, it wasn’t wrapped, it was just a small box with a lid that was barley placed on top of it.

Pen takes the lid off the box and a small beagle jumps up at him and licks his face.

“A puppy! How did you know?!” Pentious asks them, picking up the dog happily.

“Must be magic.” His mother says.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He says. “I love him! I'll take such good care of him! You'll see! I'll be the best puppy father ever!”

“I have no doubts.” His mother says, ruffling his hair and kisses his head. “Happy birthday, darling.”

~~~Present:~~~

“Pentious?” Charlie asks.

Pentious doesn't say anything, but he hugs Charlie close, crying into her shoulder.

“Hey, it's okay, I'm here.” Charlie says. "It's okay.” She says, patting his back. “Are you okay?” She asks him.

He let's go of her and holds the little puppy close to his chest.

“Are you okay, Pen?” Charlie asks. "What happened?"

Pentious looks down at the puppy teddy. “Yes, I'm okay.” He says. “I just- I-”

He wipes away tears. “I love it.” He says. “The teddy is wonderful, Charlie. Thank you.”

Charlie smiles. “Awe, I'm so glad you like it!" She says, relieved. "I was worried something was wrong."

"No, I'm okay...I think..."Pentious felt a fuzzy feeling in his mind. It was strange…unnatural. He felt like’ like a-

His pupils expand as he looks at his new Teddy. He wipes away his remaining tears, understanding what it must be. “Charlie?” he asks.

“Yes?”

“I do…feel smaller now.” He says.

“Wait, really!?” Charlie asks, getting excited.

Pen curles into himself, the feeling of small isn't a bad feeling, but it is rather strange and he doesn't know how to process it. “I think! I…uhm I feel like I am small and fuzzy inside.” He explains. "like I'm smaller than I actually am."

“Pen! You regressed! That's amazing!” Charlie's cheers.

“Is it?” Pen asks.

“I mean, yeah. I think so anyway. How are you feeling?” Charlie asks.

“I- uh. Good. But strange.” Pen explains as best as possible.

“That's okay. You'll get used to it.” She says. "Did the...Teddy trigger it?"

"Yes," Pen explains. He reminded me of my alive dog when I was alive!" He says.

"Oh yeah?"

Pen looks sad all of a sudden. "He was a good dog."

"I'm sure he was." Charlie says.

"I miss him." He says. "I had to abandon him because they wouldn't let me keep him."

"Who's they?" Charlie asks.

"The orphanage." Pen answers, his eyes building up with tears. “Dogs weren't allowed there, so I had to let him go.”

“Oh…pen. I'm sorry.” Charlie says. “Can I hug you?” She asks.

Pentious nods. “Uh, yes. Please." He says.

Charlie smiles and does just that. She squeezes the snake tightly. “Thank you for telling me, Pen. I'm so proud of you."

Pentious feels even smaller as he hugs her back. "You are? Really?”

"Of course I am. You're being honest about your feelings, and opening up to me, it shows just how far you've come since you first got here. You're growing."

"No, I'm shrinking but in a good way." Pen corrects.

Charlie chuckles. "That too."

Pentious rests his head against Charlie. "Thank you, Charlie."

Charlie pets his head. "You too, Pen.”

~~~Charlie and Pentious: Later~~~

Charlie and Pentious were playing with Legos when Charlie's phone went off.

“Oh, Vaggie is calling me." Charlie says to Pentious.

She answers the phone, so Pen keeps quiet. "Hello?”

“Mama?” A small voice says through tears.

Ohh no. That's little Vaggie. “Hold on a second please, sweetie?” Charlie asks.

“Uhm…Otay.”

Charlie smiles at Pentious. “I gotta take this, uhm, why don't you-” Charlie grabs a remote and turns on the TV. “Watch some cartoons. And I'll be back soon, okay?"

Pentious nods. "Oh-okay." He says. His attention turns to the screen as she walks out.

~~~Charlie and Vaggie:~~~

Charlie, with very limited options, walks out of the room. “Vaggie? Baby? You still there? Where are you? What happened?”

“I sowy.” Vaggie starts sobbing through the phone.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Are you in our room?” She asks, whispering in case anyone is listening.

Vaggie sniffles. “Mhm.”

Charlie climbs the stairs quickly as her heart pounds in her chest, anxiety rising. “Okay, babygirl. I'm on my way, just stay put.” She tells her.

Vaggie doesn't respond, so Charlie just focuses on getting to her room.

She opens the door and starts to look for her precious little one. “Vaggie? Baby? Are you okay?"

Vaggie crawls out of the closet she was hiding in. “Mama!” She cries, holding her arms up to Charlie.

“Oh, baby. Are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened?" She asks, picking up her little one.

Vaggie hugs Charlie. "M' otay." She says.

Charlie sighs with relief. "Oh thank goodness. Sweetheart, what happened?” Charlie asks.

“I wegwessed.” Vaggie says.

Charlie almost laughed- but kept her composure, Vaggie is obviously upset, making her feel embarrassed on top of that wouldn't exactly help the situation. “Yes, I can see that. Have you been feeling overwhelmed?” She asks.

Vaggie doesn't answer.

“Vaggie?” Charlie asks.

“I'm sorry!” She says. “I twied to big!”

Charlie hugs her. “No, it's okay, it's fine! You're fine. You didn't do anything wrong.” She tries her best to reassure her.

“I twied to stay big, I twied to be good.” Vaggie cries harder.

“You are good, you're so very good. It's okay to be little.” Charlie explains.

“But, you aweady take’ caew of Pen.” She says. “I in da way!”

Charlie kisses Vaggy's head as she holds her close. “I don't care what I'm doing, or who I'm with, I always have time for you.” She says. “You are never in the way, you're the full picture, you understand?” Charlie asks.

Vaggie nods. “Otay.”

Charlie pets Vaggie's head and holds her close.

She really needs to get back to Pentious, he's all by himself and so small! She can't just leave him alone!

She takes a deep breath. "Vaggie, sweetie. I have to ask you something, and I want you to be completely honest with me, okay?" She asks.

Vaggie nods.

“Would it be okay if Pentious knew you were a little?” She asks.

Vaggie doesn't answer that, she just looks away from Charlie.

“Because right now, Pentious is little too, and I don't want him to feel abandoned. Can I bring you downstairs with me, so I can take care of both of you? I promise Pentious will play nicely. He's very nice.” She says.

Vaggie nods. “Otay, bu’ you ‘tay wif me.” She says.

“I won't leave you, I promise." Charlie wraps her pinkie around Vaggies’.

Vaggie wraps her finger around Charlie too.

Charlie sets Vaggie down on the ground. "Can you walk?"

Vaggie nods and takes her hand.

“Okay, sugar cube. We gotta be careful and walk downstairs together, so you can hold my hand, but I need you to be very quiet so no one else knows you're regressed. Okay?”

Vaggie nods. “Mkay, mama.”

“Good girl.” Charlie smiles and kisses her cheek.

The two of them walk downstairs quietly. The only one who saw them was Husk…and he couldn't care less what they were up to!

How lucky are they!

~~~~~Pentious, Vaggie, and Charlie! Playdate Time!!~~~

Charlie and Vaggie walk back into the office, Vaggie holding Charlie's hand tightly.

The TV was happily playing: “Can he fix it? Bob the builder-”

“YES HE SHALL!!” Pentious shouts as the two women enter the room. “Charlie! You're back! You was gone forever!” Pentious says. "Dis many minutes!" He says holding up all his fingers on one hand.

“I know, I'm so sorry, Pen.” Charlie says. “I actually have a big question for you, and I need you to be honest with me, alright?"

Pentious tilts his head. “What is it?”

“Well, Vaggie is little right now too. And she needs me to take care of her. I was wondering if it's okay that she plays with us today?"

Pentious looked at Vaggie who looked very shy…

But he smiles at her. “Of course! Does she like Legos too?” He asks.

“She's a little small for Legos right now, but I'm sure there's a bunch of games we can all play.” Charlie says. “Oooh! How about mega blocks?” She asks.

“What's that?” Pentious asks.

“They're a lot like Legos, except they're bigger.” Charlie explains, grabbing the big zippy bag of blocks from the closet of many things.

“Okay, I'll play.” Pentious says, slithering over to them.

Charlie sits on the floor and Vaggy crawls onto her lap.

“Vaggie, do you want to play mega blocks with me?” Pen asks her.

Vaggie nods. “Mhm.”

“Superb! What shall we build?” He asks her.

Vaggie thinks about it.. “Uhhm piwate ship!”

“Ooo! I like pirates.” Pentious says. "That's a great idea!"

“Piwates!” Vaggie giggles. “Mama, nee’ mah Piwates.” She says.

Charlie chuckles. “Okay, hold on. Let me get them." She says.

Charlie sets Vaggie down and walks over to the closet and gets Vaggie's pirate toys. They keep some of them here so Charlie can keep an eye of Vaggie while she does some work if needed.

She sets the toys on the table as she starts putting away the Legos.

"Don't ruin my work in progress, Charlie." Pentious says. “I want to finish it later!”

"I won't," She says. "I'll put it up here for safety." She says, setting his lego project on the desk.

"Piwate." Vaggie says, taking her little pirate cat figurine.

"Are we making a ship for them?" Pen asks her.

Vaggie nods. "Piwate!"

Pentious is very patient with Vaggie, even though she's a little young and it's hard for her to build like he does, he never complained about her doing it wrong.

“Oh, Vaggie. That goes here actually.” He says, tapping where the block she placed was supposed to go.

Vaggie picked up the block and set it where Pen said to. Then she looks up at the snake to be sure it was right this time.

"That's better!" He says. "Good job."

Vaggie smiles at him, and Charlie does too. She was a little worried about how Pentious might react to a younger little one, but he's doing so well! Like a perfect older brother! It was so cute!

He finished the pirate ship for Vaggie since she lost interest very quickly.

"There you are, your pirate ship." Pentious says, setting the ship in front of her.

Vaggie gasps and sets her little pirates on the ship. "Chawe, Piwate!" She says to her caregiver.

"Mhm it's very lovely, what do we say to Pentious who made that for you?" Charlie asks.

"Tant' oo' Pen." She says.

"You're welcome. While you're playing with that, I'm gonna build a sea monster to attack them!" He says.

"What a fun idea!” Charlie says.

Vaggie handed Charlie one of the pirates to play with and the two of them started to play out a story.

"Hello, pirate cat. Are you ready for our big pirate adventure?" Charlie's fox character asks her.

Vaggie's cat character jumps on the table. "Twesue'" She says.

"Yup, gotta find the treasure. I sure hope we don't encounter any evil sea monsters on the way." Charlie says.

"Piwate ship!" Vaggie shouts, placing her cat and Charlie's fox into the ship and moves it around the table.

Pen did a very good job building it, it didn't even break when Vaggie moved it.

"Rawr! An evil sea monster approaches!" Pentious starts to play, with his monstrous and extremely clever creation.

"Oh no, pirate cat. What are we gonna do?" Charlie asks dramatically.

Vaggie looks around and sees a single mega block. "Tannon!"

"A cannon, what a great idea. We can defeat the monster!" Charlie says.

Vaggie's character shoots the cannon and hits the beast.

Pentious's character groaned. "Nuuuu you have shot me! What a world what a world indeed! I deaded! I deaded forever!"

Vaggie laughs at Pen's dramatic characterization of the monster. "Montow no tay dat." She laughs.

"What?" Pentious asks.

"What do monsters say, Vaggie?" Charlie asks.

"Waw!" She growls.

"Ohh." Pentious understood her that time. "Rawwwwr!" Pentious played the death scene again, this time in proper monster language. "Can I be a pirate now that my monster has died?' Pen asks.

Vaggie hands him the dog pirate. "He-a-go." She says.

"Thank you." Pentious says. "Let's go find that treasure!"

“Good job sharing, Vaggie.” Charlie whispers, making her little one smiles.

The three pirates did find the treasure after a long journey across the office.

"Finally, the treasure!" Pen's figurine said.

"What if the treasure was inside of us all along? What if the real treasure was friendship?" Charlie's little fox asks.

"Uhm, no it's...it's gold." Pen's dog pirate says.

"Oh okay." Charlie says. "My bad."

They found the gold and they returned home.

“You did it, Vagitha!” Pen says.

Vaggie giggles. “Yay!”

The perfect ending to a perfect little adventure.

~~~Velvette and Vox:~~~~

Velvette worked overtime and then some.

She worked until she could forget what made her so upset in the first place.

And when she still didn't, she stopped when she became too tired to continue working anymore.

She walks to the kitchen to get some water and sees Vox at the table with a cup of coffee.

"Vox? What are you doing up this late?" Velvette asks.

"Vel...hey!” Vox says, sounding exhausted as he rubbed his screen where his eyes were. "I uh- that, up there is for you." He says, pointing at a gift that was on the counter.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Uh, what?"

"Just- open it, please?" He asks.

She unwraps the box and...

It was a cabbage patch doll...

It wasn't Nicoline, but she was still very lovely.

She looks over to the Tv man. "Vox-?"

"You mentioned that you used to have one when you were little. I was going to give it to you on your birthday, it's probably not the one you had as a kid, but-"

"Did you seriously stay up just to give me this?" She asks him, hand on her hip.

Vox scoffs. "What? No! Of course not, I was up already, I just thought I'd do something nice since you were so upset." He says, as if it wasn't a big deal.

Velvette rolls her eyes. “Sure.”

“Look, I'm sorry you had a rough couple of days.” Vox says. “It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. But, you can if you want to, and I'll listen.” He promises. "Or you can talk to the doll if that’s easier, that's fine too."

Velvette looks up at him. "How-"

"You told me while you were regressing a few weeks ago." Vox says. "I know something happened...and I don't think it's right for you not to talk about it."

She looked down at the doll again.

He listened to her...

And took her pathetic little story about a doll seriously.

Huh.

"I know it's not really like us to talk about stressful adult stuff." Vox says. "But, it can be."

Velvette's eyes fill with tears. “Really?” She asks. "You actually want to hear me bitch about stupid shit all the time?"

"Who doesn't bitch about stupid shit?" He asks. "Me and Val do, why in the hell would it be any different with you? I don't care less just because you're not a kid. I don't hate your company, and I don't hate talking to you either. You have great ideas, it's nice to have someone to talk to who isn't an idiot."

He actually thinks she’s smart?

He actually cares?

Actually wanted to hear her? Actually want to listen?

Velvette puts the doll down and she runs to hug Vox.

"Vel?" Vox asks, this was clearly not at all what he expected.

She doesn't want the doll, for the first time in a long time she didn't want the doll.

She just wanted her caregiver.

Velvette starts sobbing into his shoulder. "M'sowy." She says, sounding small- tiny even.

Vox knows the voice, so he picks her up and hugs her. “It's okay, I'm here.” He says to her. “Get it all out, it's okay.”

She wraps her arms around his neck

"You ready to get some sleep?" He asks her once she's calmer.

She nods. "Okay. Can you stay wif me?"

Vox nods "Yeah." He takes her doll and carries both of them to her room to get some well deserved rest.

They can talk about it tomorrow.

~~~Charlie, Vaggie, and Pentious:~~~

Vaggie and Pentious had a fun time playing together, they played pirates and aliens, and Charlie even taught them patty cake!

It was a full fun day for them.

Vaggie got pretty tired after a bit and asked to take a nap and cuddle with Charlie.

So, Charlie put on Jake and the Neverland pirates for the two littles, and all three of them cuddled up on the couch to relax.

After episode two, Vaggie had fallen asleep.

Charlie turns to Pentious. “Thank you so much for being so nice to Vaggie today, Pen. You were such an amazing friend to her.” She says. “I know it's not always easy. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate it.”

“It was very easy.” Pentious says. “Vaggie is fun.” He says. “She likes pirates, adventures, and weapons!” he says. “I haven't had so much fun in ages!”

Charlie smiles. “I'm so glad to hear you had fun.” She says.

“Could we do it again sometime?” He asks.

“Of course, if Vaggie wants to. I think she had a lot of fun too.” Charlie says.

Pentious smiles and snuggles up next to her once again.

There's nowhere else in the world Charlie would rather be right now.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

'Oh, by the way

All my stuffies wanna know if you're okay

I've been great, 'cause they put me in a safe place

Act like I'm nine when I watch Adventure Time

To cure the pain, I'll explain

That shit put me in a safe place.' ~Tony22, safe place.

Taglist: @todayimfour @trophyxtissues2 @ask-dusty-boy @dex-dawn @abby5577 @innocentlittlelambsnursery

#ittybittysinners #ittybittysinnersq&h #hazbin hotel agere #hazbin hotel age regression #little!Velvette #little!Sir Pentious #little!Vaggie #cg!Charlie #cg!Charlie morningstar

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v4narana-w0nderl4nd · 1 year

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Aranara Mafia AU

-> Part 5

It's been days, or weeks, or months... they didn't know anymore, they lost count of time, ever since they were buried under soil, constantly watered and guarded by a bunch of cabbage people, they felt like they were going insane, especially Venti, since he keeps on whining at the little cabbage people.

One day though, the three of them dreamt the same dream:

A dream where they finally beheaded the Impostor, only to find that they bleed gold.

As soon as the sacred golden inchor hit the ground, everything turned black as the "impostor"'s head rolled right below their feet, their expression contorted into a wide, ear-to-ear smile while their eyesockets were empty.

And they woke up.

Venti was panting and sweating, Ei was more composed, but internally panicking, while Zhongli was wondering why the Dendro Archon wasn't present in that dream.

The question Zhongli had was answered quickly as the three spotted a small, white-haired child(?) head towards them, with another figure wearing a suit as well. Except instead of wearing a plain suit, they were adorned in a bit of jewelry to compliment their skin tone and outfit.

The radish people immediately approached both figures and spun or danced happily, some greeting them with the title "Lord of Verdure" and "Big Boss of Vana".

Wait...

"Lord of Verdure..?"

Is that the dendro archon's new title..?

The three didn't realize that they're now above ground, frozen in realization that the dendro archon isn't Rukkhadevata anymore, but a small child.

As for the figure in the suit..?

They got closer to see the figure in the suit and...

It's the Impostor.

Despite the dream they had earlier, Zhongli especially, didn't care.

Ei and Venti were hesitant. After all, they once were shadows of another, and because of the dream they had earlier, they were slightly scared.

Zhongli tried lunging at the "impostor", only to be stopped by a green barrier.

A little cabbage, with a red scarf and a nametag that says "Arama", immediately held a gun to his head.

"Big dumbass rockhead nara shouldn't disrespect Big Boss of Vana, after all.."

"World will not hesitate to punish nara for such an act."

-> Pt. 6

Taglist:

- @java-lava

- @yxksha

- @i-need-to-touch-grassss

- @ra404

- @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy

- @leafanonsforest

- @vvyeislazzy

- @justasleepyboi

- @dedef7890

- @esthelily

#aranara #genshin aranara #genshin au #genshin brainrot #genshin x reader #genshin x you #sagau genshin #sagau impostor au #sagau villain au #genshin imagines #sagau

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oneatlatime · 4 months

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Appa's Lost Days

Dare I hope?

You know, if ten year old me had turned on my TV to watch my weekly dose of Avatar and been greeted with a nearly two minute long uninterrupted sequence of a frightened and distressed animal being mistreated, that TV would have turned right back off again.

I don't buy that a ten tonne bison who has the leverage of his own weight as well as his airbending abilities would succumb to so few people.

Name one other character that Avatar has presented as so thoroughly without any redeeming characteristics. Even Zhao was at least kind of funny. Everything about the chucklehead on the left is rotten to the core. "What's your dad going to do when he finds out we broke his stuff while doing crime?" "Nothing. It's not his stuff; it's previous crime."

I thought beetle-headed was a commentary on their intelligence, but it's actually a description.

I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I should have waited to get my hopes up until I came to an episode called Appa's Found Days. Is this whole thing going to be a series of near misses with the Gaang?

You know, if I had a nickel for every time an animal companion on this show has been threatened with a trip to the butcher's, I'd have two nickels. In the space of two episodes.

This is not fun to watch guys.

Not if I break you first asshole.

The way this Nurse Ratched type circus guy says "earn it" is chilling.

Of course the Fire Nation would find a way to turn bending into animal abuse. Of course.

a) that cage is way too small b) who knew cabbage suction could be so cute?

Completely unsubtle parallel with the boy here, right down to the complete disregard they show to the threats thrown their way.

Stubborn and wilful are not adjectives I would use to describe Appa this episode, or ever.

Wind buffalo. Wind Buffalo. Really? Was Fart Cow taken?

That's a very relatable facial expression.

That makeup and costume is awful.

Now that's satisfying.

Is the Fire Nation kid voiced by Aang's voice actor?

Nevermind. THAT'S satisfying.

I was right - this episode is Appa always being a step behind the Gaang.

Baby Appas! This almost makes this episode worth it!

It's funny how a single feature can contribute so much to a character's design. Arrowless Aang is just some kid. Let me rephrase that, since such a big part of Aang's character is the fact that he's just some goofy kid. Arrowless Aang is indistinguishable from other kids for the first time this series, because every other time we've seen him on screen he's either the only child airbender with his arrows, or the only airbender left.

Lady monks. Nuns? I don't think I've seen those before.

Appa and Aang share a dreamscape? That could be useful.

There's dumb, there's really dumb, and then there's 'wake a completely asleep and therefore harmless unknown creature with threats of violence' dumb.

Close call for Iroh. Do you think he's suspected that Appa (and presumably the Avatar) haven been in Ba Sing Se this whole time?

Bipedal Appa is strange. A very effective fighter, but strange to look at.

I'm amazed that giant boar thing walked away from that.

And now they're hitting me with an 'Appa's given Up' montage. Someone who works on this show hates me.

*Heroically refrains from ranting about the impracticality of using white fabric for an active warrior's glove.*

"This could be our most important mission yet." Foreshadowing?

Did Suki and Appa actually meet at any point in the Warriors of Kyoshi episode?

Turns out 'Aang' is a magic word.

Appa kisses!

Appa is apparently legally banned from having anything good for more than five minutes. Although it's good writing that they're using a previously established weakness - Appa's shedding - to bring the danger ladies back in.

I guess they have Azula drop the line about her brother to remind the audience of who she is, but surely Suki's like "Who are you? Who's your brother? Why should I care?"

Azula going after the Kyoshi warriors is completely unnecessary right? The Avatar isn't there. Neither are Zuko and Iroh. It doesn't even net her Appa. She's just looking for someone to beat up.

WOW this is bad writing. Like really bad. My Immortal levels of bad.

Would it be too much to ask for the Kyoshi warriors to do even slightly ok against the Azula ladies? Couldn't they at least get a couple of hits in?

Kudos to Suki for essentially sacrificing herself and her warriors to save Appa. 'Most important mission yet' was a bit on the nose.

Out of options, Appa goes home. Ouch.

Someone explain this to me. Air Bison teething ring?

My what a human sounding cough you have buddy.

This is why you don't use Air Bison as guard dogs.

I like what this Guru is saying. Fear displacing trust but not love feels more accurate than how I usually see the consequences of trauma discussed.

The music playing throughout this sequence fits so well. I think it's some sort of metal thing you hit - I want to say a variation on tubular bells, and maybe something Glockenspiel adjacent? It's unlike anything I've heard in this show before and it fits so well that I'm nerding out a bit.

Disney princess Guru. Aang has Disney princess moments too. Maybe it's an Air Nomad thing?

No wonder the monks built a temple here. Even destroyed, it's gorgeous.

And Appa decides to trust again. I love it when an animal visibly comes to a decision about your trustworthiness.

This energy reading stuff makes sense given that Aang and Appa already share a dreamscape.

He IS a great beast. The best!

OH COME ON

Someone whip up a wanted poster for Long Feng: Cattle Rustler. It had also never occurred to me that he was an earthbender.

That flip move with the earthbending platform must have caused Appa to land on his back. I bet that hurt.

One of the times I am very grateful that the closing credits music is so upbeat.

Final Thoughts

@aboutiroh I see why you recommended I save my chocolate for this episode.

The Tale of Momo was really just a preparatory taste of things to come, huh? Almost a microcosm of this episode.

This is the first episode where I had to take breaks while watching. Especially the circus sequence, I think I got up twice to do things like get a cup of tea and stare randomly out windows at squirrels. I didn't even have to do that with Zuko Alone, despite freaking out a lot about it, because at least that episode took breaks from the child abuse to check in with Aang being miserable. This episode was unrelenting.

If I had seen this episode when I was the age of the target audience, this may well have turned me off the show for good. If my Mom had seen this episode, I would have been banned from watching the show entirely. Not a decision I'd agree with, but my Mom is the type of person who banned her kids from watching Bambi.

To watch through all of that unrelenting animal (at best) unhappiness, and still not get Appa back at the end of the episode? That's a bit much. It's not often that this show ends its episodes without at least a little bit of something positive.

Once again, the music did a lot of heavy lifting this episode. The animal noises weren't quite as emotive as the ones in Momo's Tale, but Appa's face is more expressive, and more was shown through his expression than through Momo's, so I feel like this episode had just as much non-verbal animal communication as Momo's Tale.

I think I'm renaming season 2 "the Suki redemption arc." I really didn't like the Warriors of Kyoshi episode, and I didn't like what her character did in that episode. But every time Suki appears in season 2? She absolutely nails it.

The show since losing Appa has taken to wallowing. Even with bright spots like the poetry bouncer, the overall tone since Appa's appanapping has been ever more dark. If this keeps up for many more episodes, it will no longer be fun to watch.

Somehow I don't think this one is going on my rewatch list.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #appa's lost days

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ayanos-pl · 1 year

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タンポポにモンシロチョウ（4月5日）。モンシロチョウはよく見かけるけれど、不規則に飛ぶばかりで、なかなか止まらないので、撮影は意外と難しい。

#Pieris rapae #small white #cabbage white #cabbage butterfly #butterfly #motyl #bielinek rzepnik #japan #owady #insects #Taraxacum #mniszek #dandelion

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slaymitchabernathy · 19 days

Text

Sweet Girl

Coriolanus trudges down the sidewalk on his way back from the Academy. His shoes are too tight and a small hole is wearing its way through the front of his right shoe. Although it’s the middle of June his black suit jacket remains over his white button-up shirt. It’s probably the nicest thing he owns and he wants nothing more than to take it off.

But Coriolanus Snow wants a lot of things.

He wants a hot bath for starters. He’s sick of the cold showers he’s forced to take. And don’t even get him started on cabbage for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

He wants the elevator in his apartment building to start working again so he doesn’t have to climb up twelve flights of stairs every night.

Coriolanus wants a lot of things. But dinner is a top priority right now.

There wasn’t any dinner provided at Heavensbee Hall much to his chagrin. He’d hoped there might be some punch or even a slice of pie. But nothing.

He’d been invited to a small open house for the University. Even though he still had a year left at the Academy it was never too early to start planning for his glorious future.

If only he could get there.

He began to formulate some sort of plan to win him the Plinth Prize. Professor Clay had barely mentioned it, only as a way to excite Academy students going into their last year which included him. Those words kept replaying in his head.

“A full ride for the University. Tuition paid in full.”

Many parents had been in attendance and he’d heard them mumbling to their children about how nice it would be if they won. How they’d be able to go on an extra vacation to the District resorts with that extra bit of money.

That extra bit of money would change the trajectory of Coriolanus Snow’s life and these people planned to use it for vacation funds.

If there was ever another war, he’d be the first to eat the rich.

These families didn’t know struggle. None of his classmates did. They all had parents for starters. He had none. They also had siblings. He had none. His father died first. Then his mother died trying to give birth to his sister. Two birds with one stone. His grandmother had died only last year leaving him the sole heir to the Snow fortune.

If only there was any fortune to inherit.

Coriolanus would never admit it, but he was almost relieved when his grandmother died. She had been a mouth to feed and was unable to work and provide. They’d been living in squalor and all she wanted to talk about was when they used to live in fortune.

He’d been hasty about getting to the bank once her funeral was over. He’d heard about children inheriting large sums of money once they were the last remaining members of their family.

With grandmother out of the way, any inheritance was his to keep.

His hands had been shaking as he unlocked the creaky metal box the clerk had brought him along with the key. The box had a faded white label on it that read:

‘Snow Family Inheritance’

He held his breath as he opened the box and tears pooled in his eyes when he found the box empty. Not even a coin was left to him.

He wallowed in his self-pity as he walked home, the heat was sweltering so it was a lovely distraction from his current financial predicament. He simply had to win the Plinth Prize. Even if it meant strangling Sejanus Plinth who seemed to despise the fact that he was filthy rich.

Again, eat the rich.

He was so caught up in his plan that he nearly ran into an older gentleman wearing a long black coat and a black hat.

“Oh excuse me. I should’ve watched where I was going,” he apologized, ducking his head when the man turned around.

Coriolanus was as tall as they came but this man was slightly taller than him. He gave the young boy a small smile, “No need to apologize. I’m just waiting on Miss Dovecote.” He gestured to the townhouse to their right where two girls stood on the doorstep illuminated by the front porch light.

Coriolanus had walked this street hundreds of times. It was a block away from the Corso and the townhouses were beautiful. This one in particular seemed to be a true beacon of Capitol wealth.

It was pristine and white with a perfectly manicured front lawn and shrubbery. The pathway leading up to the front door was clean of any litter and the steps looked like they were marble.

Coriolanus finally drew his attention to the two girls standing on the steps and recognized both of them. The raven-haired girl was Clemensia Dovecote, a friend of his from the Academy. She was hugging a blonde girl, and it was only when they pulled away that he was able to pin her down with confidence.

Soarynn Nightingale.

He didn’t really run in the same circles as her, but he knew she was very sweet and well-liked. It was a little funny to see that she was friends with Clemensia who could be quite snippy when she wanted to be.

The girls finally parted ways and Clemensia turned and made her way down the steps. Coriolanus quickly put two and two together and realized the man he’d bumped into was her driver.

How nice it must be to not walk everywhere.

Clemensia’s eyes locked onto his and her face visibly brightened, “Coryo! I haven’t seen you since May!”

Coriolanus gave her a polite smile and nodded, “It has been quite a while, Clemmie,” he agreed.

In all honestly he preferred summers over the school year. He could stay hidden in his penthouse for weeks without having to talk to anyone and pretend that the Snows were still as wealthy as ever.

Clemensia grinned up at him, “Well you should go in and say hi to everyone then,” she tilted her head towards the townhouse where Soarynn was still on her front steps, watching them it seemed.

Coriolanus swallowed nervously as he looked around the street, suddenly noticing all the cars parked along the curbs. “I…say hi to who Clemmie?” He asked nervously, more sweat forming on the back of his neck and this wasn’t from the heat.

Clemmie rolled her eyes and huffed, “Practically everyone from school is here Coryo. Soarynn’s throwing a little get-together. I only have to leave early because my little sister has a dance recital and my mother says I have to go.”

Coriolanus resisted the urge to tell her to be happy that at least she had a little sister. He’d never gotten to meet his.

He hummed and glanced over at Soarynn who was still lingering. Didn’t she have to get back to her guests?

“Well I actually have to get home but thank you for the invi—“

“Soarynn! Coryo’s going to stop by for a moment!” Clemensia called out, cutting him off before he could properly decline her invitation.

Coriolanus tightened his jaw but relaxed it and plastered on a fake smile, “Enjoy the recital, Clemmie.”

꧁ ꧂

He all but trudged up the walkway where Soarynn was patiently waiting for him. His eyes were focused on the ground and they slowly traveled up her tan legs. She was wearing heels and a blue dress that hugged her small frame perfectly. Her blonde hair was framing her face and her eyes.

Her eyes.

This might’ve been the first time Coriolanus had ever looked into the eyes of Soarynn Nightingale and heaven knew she had the most stunning eyes he’d ever seen.

Blue and gray went perfectly together for her eye color and they made the rest of her features pop.

Soarynn was already looking up at him even though he was a step down from her. Both literally and financially.

Her lips curled up into a sweet smile, “Hello Coryo, I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”

She held out her hand and Coriolanus took it and gave it a soft squeeze before shaking it. He tried to hide his sweaty complexion and his stressed state but if he failed to do so, Soarynn didn’t let on.

“I do apologize for dropping in on you like this,” he said hastily, “I know you have guests to tend to and Clemmie can get pretty assertive sometimes and I think I might just go home if that’s alright with you…” his voice died as she gently squeezed his hand.

Mostly because she was still holding his hand. And it was so small compared to his. So soft.

“Coryo it’s alright,” she said with a light laugh, “we have more than enough refreshments and everyone will be so glad to see you. Besides you’re already dressed for the occasion,” she gestured to his outfit.

He worried she might be able to see right through him. The too-tight shoes and the white button-up shirt with stains on the sides and the black suit jacket that was beginning to tear at the seams.

He scratched the back of his neck, “I won’t be able to stay for long.”

Soarynn waved him off and tugged him into her home, a cool wave of air rolling over them. He let go of her hand as he slowly made his way into the entryway of her house, foyer was a better term for it. This townhouse was beautiful. Tall ceilings, chandeliers, and a tiled floor that shone under his shoes.

He felt terribly out of place.

Soft music could be heard along with laughter and conversation and Soarynn beckoned him to follow her further into the home.

The tiled floor turned into a hardwood floor and Coriolanus took in every little detail of the Nightingale’s house. Soarynn led them to the right of the foyer which led into what seemed to be the formal dining room. A large mahogany table sat inside it surrounded by chairs. Fine cutlery adorned the table and there was a cabinet to display even finer pieces.

They then walked through a small hallway, to the left was a set of stairs. They looked to be hardwood that was painted over work white paint. The paint was chipped and worn and carpet ran down the center of the stairs. This was clearly the route the servants took he decided. Not that he’d seen any servants, but he doubted they lacked anything where help

To the right was a door with a window where he could see hedges. The backyard most likely, or the side yard leading to the backyard.

They continued through a set of sliding doors with intricate glass panes and into the kitchen where several adults were conversing.

Coriolanus felt himself inwardly cringe when realizing he’d have to explain his presence to Soarynn’s father, a man he had never met or heard anything about.

All heads turned towards the two and the friendly conversation ceased. Coriolanus put on his most charming smile as he and Soarynn approached the adults. “Daddy, this is Coriolanus Snow, we go to school together,” Soarynn said to one of the men.

Coriolanus immediately held his hand out to Mr. Nightingale and nodded, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

So many things could happen. The man could yell and demand he leave his property at once. He could laugh at his attempt to fit in with the Capitol’s most wealthy families. Or he could ignore him entirely.

The man did none of those things.

He placed his hand in his and gave it a firm shake. “Pleasure to meet you Coriolanus. I apologize for not greeting you at the door.”

Coriolanus was quick to shake his head, “I’m afraid I sort of dropped in sir. I ran into my good friend Clemensia Dovecote and…”

His voice trailed off when Mr. Nightingale held up his other hand, “No need to explain son. I know how headstrong Miss Dovecote can get. You were a smart man for going along with her plan.”

The other adults chuckled and Coriolanus glanced around the kitchen and was able to spot a few familiar faces. The Vickers and the Creeds were here which meant Lysistrata and Festus were here.

“Make yourself at home Coriolanus,” Mr. Nightingale said, before releasing his hand. Coriolanus managed a polite nod, “Thank you sir.”

He followed Soarynn out of the kitchen and to the left where he could clearly see the living room where people his age had gathered. “There’s food set up in the sitting room,” Soarynn said, pointing to the left of the living room where another set of glass doors were slid open.

Coriolanus nodded and looked down at her, “Thank you, I truly hope I’m not imposing.”

Soarynn shook her head, “You’re not. And look, Festus is already waving you over.” She disappeared from his side before he even had the chance to respond and left him no choice but to walk over to Festus who was, in fact, waving him over

He had mastered the casual stride. Walking as if he had all the time and money in the world. Ironic since he had neither.

“Festus,” he greeted as if he planned on coming to this party all along. The living room was large yet cozy at the same time if that was possible, allowing people to break off into private conversations.

Festus grinned, giving Coriolanus a slap on the back, “Coryo! It’s been so long. How have you been? Where have you been all dressed up like that?” Coriolanus gave him a casual shrug while looking down at his outfit as if realizing how well he was dressed.

How well he tried to dress.

One look at Festus’s outfit told Coriolanus that his friend had thrown on whatever he first saw in his closet, not caring a bit how he looked. As long as everything on his person costs the same as a month’s rent for Coriolanus, Festus would fit right in.

“I was invited to an open house for the University,” he said, glancing into the sitting room where tables of refreshments were on tables, just waiting for him. Festus let out a low whistle, “They must think of you as a top contender if you got invited already.”

Coriolanus felt a small grin spread across his lips. If Festus thought that then other people must too. It brought him some relief to know that no matter how horribly he was doing in private, he still looked like he was doing wonderfully in public.

“We’ll see where it goes,” he said, “we still have one more year left.”

Festus grunted before he looked over at the giant windows looking out into the backyard, “So you got invited here by Soarynn?”

Coriolanus let out a bitter laugh, also glancing over to the windows where Soarynn was talking to Livia Cardew and Arachne Crane. Two girls he did his best to avoid at all costs. “I was forced to come here. I ran into Clemmie,” he said, knowing he needed no further explanation.

Festus raised his eyebrows and nodded, he was well versed with how bossy Clemensia could get, “Then it appears you made the right choice. And this party isn’t half bad, you have to try the champagne.”

Well, if Festus insists.

Coriolanus walked into the sitting room, grabbing a plate as his eyes scanned the different foods. He couldn’t take too much, couldn’t look like he was starving even though he was. He’d seen the way his ribs poked out whenever he took too deep of a breath.

He started out with some bread. Bread was always good. Then he grabbed some small meats, slices of ham, finger foods really. He took some crackers too, for the ham of course. He also took some fruits, berries, orange slices, and grapes. There were lots of desserts. Pies, custards, cakes, tarts. He took a tart because goodness knows he was already overdoing it. Lastly he took a glass of champagne because if he was going to be forced to conversate, he needed to be properly buzzed.

He surveyed the living room while he was sipping his champagne. He saw many familiar faces, all people he’d grown up with. All people who kept giving their condolences it seemed. The last ones he had gotten were for his grandmother after she passed away.

Everyone came to the funeral. They were all too familiar with funerals after the war and everyone could be counted on having something black to wear.

His grandmother hadn’t left him much like other grandparents. Some grandparents left behind their entire fortunes or some jewelry they’d held onto.

All he got were roses.

He didn't linger in his bitterness for too long because Sejanus Plinth of all people was coming up to him with a glass of juice in his hand it seemed. How juvenile.

Coriolanus forced a polite smile, "Sejanus, how nice to see you." It really wasn't, he despised people like Sejanus Plinth. People who had everything in the world and still found a way to complain about it. Sejanus let out a sigh, further confirming his beliefs that the rich would be the first he'd go after, "Oh you know, just dragged along to another gathering," he gestured to the living room, "my Ma says it's good for me. But it helps that Soarynn's nice."

It certainly did. From what he had seen, Soarynn Nightingale was a sweet girl who tried her best to be kind to everyone. She was a rare bird. He'd have to avoid her though, ironic since he was standing in her house. Coriolanus wasn't trouble per se, but he certainly couldn't help her move up in the world. He had nothing to his name, no assets, no money, nothing but a penthouse falling apart.

She'd be better off without him.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus took to hiding on the staircase they had passed when Soarynn brought him to the kitchen. He would've much rather to sit on one of those comfortable-looking sofas but that would mean having to talk to people and he was exhausted both mentally and physically. He chewed on bread while listening to the chatter of the party. No one had come looking for him so he figured he might as well slip out the front door once he finished with his food. He'd be damned if he didn't eat his entire plate.

As he was chewing, he could hear a set of footsteps growing closer to the small hallway and he tensed, hoping it wasn't Mr. Nightingale who would then bear witness to the sad sight of Coriolanus eating whatever he could get his grubby hands on. Finally, he laid eyes on Soarynn Nightingale who gave him a look of concern, "Are you alright Coryo?" She asked, worrying flooding her voice. Coriolanus feigned a look of normality as he nodded, "Oh yes, just a bit overwhelmed is all," he waved her off, hoping she'd go back to her rich friends and leave him in his self-pitying thoughts.

Soarynn, much to his horror instead came closer, in fact, she sat on the step above him as if this was a perfectly normal occurrence. He couldn't stop himself from giving her a questioning look. Had someone put her up to this? It was Livia, he was sure of it.

Soarynn brushed her hair behind her ears, giving him a small smile, "You know, you don't have to lie to me, you can trust me." Coriolanus scoffed, what did she know about trust? "I don't mean to offend you, because you've been a lovely hostess but I promise that we have nothing in common," Coriolanus told her flatly. He didn't want to hurt her feelings but he needed to keep her at arm's length along with the rest of his classmates and really everyone in the Capitol for that matter.

Soarynn raised her eyebrows, giving him an almost defiant look that made him question his assumptions about her, "Tell me something about yourself," she said, "and if I can't find something in common with you then I'll have my driver take you home."

Now that was a bet worth taking.

Coriolanus felt a smirk tugging at his lips, finally, his horrible childhood was paying off because there was no way Soarynn would be able to relate to him in any way, shape, or form.

He knew it was cheap and quite dark but he needed something to guarantee that Soarynn wouldn't be able to relate to him. "Alright, when I was little my mother died during the war, it was childbirth, too much blood, I was going to be a big brother to a little sister."

The slightly amused look on Soarynn's face fell and he knew he had her. This girl clearly didn't know what it was like to grow up without a mother, although he had yet to meet Mrs. Nightingale. Soarynn swallowed, looking down at the stairs for a moment before giving him a sad smile, "Then I'm afraid you'll be walking home."

Coriolanus furrowed his eyebrows, what was she talking about?

Soarynn sighed and kicked off her heels, so casual in the midst of a somewhat formal setting, "My own mother died during childbirth, although not during the war, but from the same thing as yours, too much blood." Coriolanus felt his throat tightening up. he missed his mother dearly, all he had to remember her by was her silver compact with the rose-scented powder that he only brought out in moments of stress.

"What was she like?" He asked, his voice scratchy. Soarynn shrugged, "I don't know, I've never met her." Now he was terribly confused, "But how is that possible? If you never met your mother and she died during childbirth then that means..." His voice died off as he put the pieces together. The oh-so tragic pieces.

"I killed her," she whispered, pulling her knees up, "not many people know that so I'd appreciate it if you kept it to yourself."

Coriolanus nodded, knowing how much of a burden it must be on the girl next to him, "Your secret's safe with me."

Soarynn cleared her throat, "Well what do you remember about your mother?" It was hard to think of someone he hadn't seen or spoken to in so long, he really only had distant memories. "She could sing," he said, "she'd sing me a lullaby, something about roses and birds."

Soarynn perked up, "Oh! My dad used to sing me a song like that when I was little. Roses are red, songbirds are blue, heavens know I love you." He found it nearly impossible not to fall in love with her at that very moment.

"You have a pretty voice," he mumbled, feeling his cheeks tinge with redness. Coriolanus couldn't sing to save his life, most of his classmates couldn't but it seemed that the one capable person sitting next to him didn't feel like sharing her talent with the world. Soarynn shrugged, "I get kind of nervous, I don't do too well in crowds. I can play the piano just fine though."

Coriolanus felt himself slightly sulk at the fact that she was rich enough to know how to play the piano, to own a piano. His stomach grumbled and he looked down at his half-eaten plate and he caught Soarynn looking too, "Sorry if the food isn't very filling," she said, "we decided on mostly finger foods but maybe we should've gotten more."

Coriolanus shook his head, "Don't apologize Soarynn I...I wasn't even invited and yet you brought me in. You've been very sweet and here I am talking about my dead mother and making you talk about yours when I should be focused on winning the Plinth Prize."

Soarynn tilted her head, "The Plinth Prize?"

Had he said Plinth Prize? Well, the cat was out of the bag now so to speak. "Yes, it'll be awarded to one student at the end of the upcoming school year and I'm going to win it." Soarynn raised her eyebrows, looking very impressed, "What'll you do with the money if you win?"

Coriolanus let out a hollow laugh, trying to imagine coming into that sort of money, being able to give away that sort of money "I'll fix everything," he said, "fix my penthouse, my wardrobe, fill my fridge up, hire some staff. Hell, I might even run for President." A frown tugged at her lips as she shifted closer to him, "Your fridge is empty?" Coriolanus felt his complexion slightly pale, he shouldn't have let that slip.

All his hard work just went down the drain because of a pretty girl.

He might as well go out with a bang, "Yes I'm actually quite broke," he admitted, figuring there was no use in hiding it, "this suit is practically falling apart, along with the rest of my life but I'll win the money and everything will change."

He studied Soarynn's face for any sort of reaction. She could laugh at him, or go and tell everyone that Coriolanus Snow didn't have a cent to his name. But instead, she reached down and took his hands in hers, they were so soft and warm, and small, "Oh, Coryo why didn't you tell someone?"

Coriolanus shuddered at the thought of asking for help. He'd rather drown. "Snow lands on top," he said, "and Snow doesn't ask for help." Soarynn sighed, squeezing his hands gently, "Boys and their egos," she muttered. Coriolanus couldn't help but laugh at her comment, he didn't know she was capable of being sassy but Soarynn Nightingale was just full of surprises.

Soarynn smirked, "Don't tell me you haven't thought about telling someone, I know I wouldn't be able to hold it in if we suddenly had no money." Coriolanus sighed, he barely remembered what it was like to have money, but he sure knew how to pretend like he did. "I have," he agreed, worrying if he was holding her hands too tightly or too loosely, girls were difficult to understand at this age.

"Were you planning on keeping it a secret for the rest of your life?" Soarynn's question causes a frown to tug on his lips. Coriolanus planned on living for a very long time so being broke when you were old sounded like a horrible nightmare to him. He remembered how weak his grandmother got in her final weeks, how he gave her every bit of food he could scrounge up. Being young had its advantages, and the Academy often provided food at events so he could always count on that. But no, being a grown-up would come with its own challenges, broke or rich.

"Well I don't plan on being poor for the rest of my life, so to answer your question, no, but I certainly won't tell people about my past once I'm bathing in my riches," he decided then and there. Soarynn's thumb brushed over his knuckles and Coriolanus felt his breath hitch in his throat, "What if you don't win?"

What a horrible question to ask someone.

But Coriolanus had thought about that on his way home tonight, about the possibility of him going home a sore loser, second place most likely to someone who was already rich and would be spending the Plinth Prize on their vacation. "Failure isn't an option," he said, his voice steady as his blue eyes stared into her blue-gray ones. They were so enchanting, he'd be happy to drown in them for the rest of his life.

Soarynn nodded, biting her lip for a moment before speaking up, "I believe in you Coryo, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you win."

Well, he certainly hadn't expected that. He thought she might give him a pat on the back, wish him luck, and send him home with some leftovers. Not to pledge herself to help him no matter what the cost.

Coriolanus swallowed, his hands suddenly feeling so sweaty, "You...you really don't have to do that Soarynn, you've already been so sweet." And she had been, she listened to him, and goodness did it feel good to get all of that off his chest.

Soarynn shook her head and pulled him towards her until they were inches apart, the same height even though she sat on one step above him, "You're a good person Coryo," she said softly, "and it's not your fault that your family fell on some hard times. You deserve to win, to be happy, and not have to worry about your next meal."

Coriolanus couldn't believe that a person like Soarynn Nightingale existed. So kind and selfless, so generous and sweet. This was the type of girl you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. Which is why he was suddenly leaning in and she was too and then he was kissing her. He was kissing Soarynn Nightingale and she was kissing him back.

It lasted maybe ten seconds but she tasted so sweet, smelled so sweet, was so sweet. And the smile she gave him after was sweeter than anything he'd ever tasted. "You should ask me out on a date," she whispered, her lips inches away from his lips.

Coriolanus licked his lips, his mind still clouded from that kiss, "Okay," he whispered back. He'd do anything she asked him to do. Maybe this was good, something new, something kind. He could see it now, their dates, the stolen glances, the dinners he would have here with her dad. They'd make a good couple, they'd graduate together, he'd win the Plinth Prize with her by his side.

His sweet girl.

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