This is so insanely good and well done, I've been having trouble being able to get through a read lately and I literally had to re read this cus I went through it too fast lol it's just amazing.
I'm so happy it's a series I can't wait for moreeeeeeeee.
Seven
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader
Summary: Bucky comes from a well respected family, he falls in love with a girl who prefers the simple things in life. Follow their journey through the years.
Word count: 6,178
Warnings: fluff, angst, talks of child abuse - heavily. mentions of injuries and scars on a child. swearing
A/N: No description of reader other than she has curly hair.
Masterlist   Series Masterlist
He first met her when he was seven.
The day started off as the same as those that came before; wake up, have breakfast, get ready and head to the east wing of his home to begin his tutoring. Have lunch, carry on with the schoolwork, and be done for the day.
Even after he said his goodbyes to Mrs Mars he was still stuck in a routine.
Day in and day out.
However that day was different because it was Friday. Every Friday his best friend Steve came to stay over for the weekend, every weekend they caused havoc. Not that Winnie or George minded, all week they saw their son miserable until his friend arrived on Fridays at 3pm, not a minute earlier and not a minute later. Sadly that hadnât happened for three weeks as Steve and his ma had to go to Staten Island for a family emergency.
To Bucky Staten Island was on the other side of the world, so when he found out that Steve had to leave for a few weeks - well he kicked off.
He destroyed everything that was in his path, crying and begging his ma to stop Sarah from taking his best friend away. Promising her that if she let Steve live with them that he would be on his best behaviour, forever and ever he promised her.
Once he had exhausted himself out and grew tired the whole house went quiet.
For the three weeks that he didnât see Steve he was quieter, he sulked at his desk and at the dinner table. He was restless, and as the Fridays approached and went by his attitude only grew worse.
Winnie nearly cried in response to hearing Sarah saying that her and Steve would be leaving the next day. Winnie oddly enough found some comfort in knowing that Steve was acting the same way as her beloved James. Winnie had decided that she wasnât going to tell James about how on that Friday he was going to be reunited with his best friend, keeping it to herself and her husband in order to surprise him.Â
A seven year old Bucky made his way in to the kitchen glaring at his mother when she told him that he needed to come with her, they made their way to the front door just as a knock cut through the silence.
âOpen the door sweetieâ she told him, ignoring the glare that was coming from her only son.
Not wanting to be in trouble with his father again he complied with his mothers instructions.
Hand on the door handle he opened the door, the frown he wore day in and day out for 21 days vanished when he sees his best friend standing there.
âS-Stevie?â
âBuckyâ
âYouâre back?â
âI amâ
âI missed you.â
âI missed you too.â
Both Winnie and Sarah watched on as their sons talked and as Bucky pulled Steve into a bone crushing hug - which didnât last long as Steve started to scuffle up Buckyâs hair, then both of them started to wrestle with one another.
âCome in Sarah, Iâve missed you my friendâ They left the two seven year olds wrestling in the foyer.
Their wrestling match came to an abrupt end when Steveâs asthma got the better of him.
He was playing in the backyard with Steve when he felt eyes on him, Bucky chose to ignore the feeling thinking it was just one of the staff members keeping an eye on the pair.
âBuck get the ballâ Steve shouted slightly out of breath.
Nodding he turns to where Steve was pointing, frowning at not being able to see it straight away. âSteve I canât find it!â
âDo that means I win this round?â Steve shouted back.
âNo! Why did you have to kick it so hard?â
âBecause Iâm the best!â
âNo youâre not! Iâve found it!â
Bucky bends down to grab the ball, ball under his arm he stops when he hears someone talking. He knows he shouldnât go and check it out but heâs never really listened to his father, so he drops the ball again and climbs over the fence that separates the woods from his garden.
â-Miss Ladybug come backâ
He watches a girl; a little bit smaller than him with wild bushy hair, the dress she wore was ratty and ripped on the bottom. He notices dirt on her arms and neck and that she wasnât wearing any shoes.
â-Mr Ant that tickles, what have you been up to today?â
âAnts donât talk.â
âYou scared me!â
He watches her spin around to face him, his eyes widen when he sees the dark bruise around her eye and her bottom lip having dried blood on it.
However even at seven years old he likes the bright colour of her eyes.
âI-Iâm sorry. Iâm Bucky whatâs your name?â
âY/n, Duckyâs a weird nameâ
âItâs Bucky not Duckyâ
âCan I call you Ducky?â
âFine. But I get to call youâŠum Bunny!â
âBut my names not Bunny itâs Y/nâ
âMy names not Ducky but Iâm letting you call me that. So Bunny what are you doing?â
The girl waves him over and smiles âLook Miss Ladybug and Mr Ant are friendsâ
âThey canât be friendsâ
âWhy not?â
âBecause it doesnât make sense, Miss Ladybug should be friends with other ladybugs and not ants.â
âThey can be friends.â
âThey canâtâ
âYes the can!â
âWhatever. Why donât you have shoes on?â He asks changing the subject.
âI donât have any, what are you doing here?â
âWhy donât you have any shoes?â
âMy parents are poor.â
âMine are richâ
âOh. I guess you live in that house over there?â
âYeah, whereâs your house?â
âOn the other side of the woods. Itâs super small and poorlyâ
âHow can a house be poorly?â
âI donât know but thatâs what my mama says. Do you want to play fairies with me?â
From where they were stood they called hear Steve calling for Bucky, he watches as her smile fades slowly.
âIâve canât, got to go back to my friend. I can see you tomorrow?â
âOkay!â She beams up at him.
âBye Bunnyâ
âBye Duckyâ
She watches him as he walks away, her tiny arm still waving side to side long after he climbs over the fence.
âBuck what took you so long?â Steve questions from his place on the ground.
âI-I met someone Stevieâ Sitting down next to his friend.
âWhat do you mean?â
âHer names Y/n-â
âHer? A girl?â
âYes a girl. Sheâs pretty Stevie, b-but she had bruises on her face and arms I thought it was mud at first but I got closer-â
âYou met a girl that is pretty?â
Rolling his eyes âstop butting in! But yes, real pretty. I like her eyesâ
âBucky loves a girl, Bucky loves a girl-â Steve sings as he runs around the garden.
âNo I donât!â Bucky shouts as he runs around after the blonde.
The next day Bucky leaves Steve in the living room so he could draw, his asthma had worsen over night so he wasnât up to playing games.
âGo and see your girlfriendâ
âSheâs not my girlfriend!â
âBut you love herâ
âI donât love her Steve! Stop saying that. Iâll be back soon okay?â
âOkay, have funâ
Climbing over the fence he wasted no time in going to the spot he had saw her the day before, frowning when he couldnât see her.
âY/n? Bunny?â
âUp here Duckyâ
He looks up and sees her sitting on the branch of the many trees that filled the woods.
âWhat are you doing up there?â
âHidingâ
âFrom what?â
âThe monstersâ
âWhat monsters?â
âThe worst kind of monstersâ Heâs about to reply when she drops down from where she was perched âthey call themselves the tickle monsters!â
She laughs at his deadpanned look. âHow old are you Bunny?â
âSix, you?â
âSeven. Can I ask you something?â
âOkayâ
âWhat happened to your face?â
âMy father is not nice. He drinks special juice and gets madâ
Bucky stands and watches her twiddle her fingers, feeling bad about asking her that question but he was curious.
âHe gets mad and hurts me, I donât know why but I donât think he likes me very much. Do you like me?â She continues and asks.
âI like you. Youâre my friend Bunnyâ Smiling when he sees her smile.
âIâve never had a real friend before. Your my friend Duckyâ
âI have another friend his name is Steve, he gets poorly a lotâ
âWhy?â
âIâm not sure but heâs greatâ Bucky states as he picks up a twig off the ground.
âWould he be my friend too?â Y/n asks and copies what he did, waving the twig around in the air.
âMaybeâ
âI would like that.â
Y/n took him to her favourite spots in the woods, introducing him to the animals she named. He liked it, liked her.
âItâs getting colderâ he says as they walk around.
âIt is. You should go home, Iâll walk youâ
âWhat about you?â
âIâll stay out later my mama is at her job and I donât want to go home just yetâ
âWhat about food? You need to have dinnerâ
âIâll eat some berries like always, father doesnât know how to cook not like my mamaâ
âYou can come with me if you want, my ma wont mindâ
âIâm dirty but itâs okay. Will I see you tomorrow Ducky?â
âYour smelly too and yeah Iâll see you tomorrowâ
âYouâre smelly!â She giggles.
âIâll see you tomorrow Bunnyâ
âSee you tomorrow Duckyâ
The next day after Bucky, Steve and their parents got back from church he ran into the kitchen to ask the cook to make him some sandwiches. Saying his thanks he leaves Steve once again to go and see his Bunny.
âBunny what happened?â He says as he see her in the same spot they keep meeting in.
One side of her face was swollen with dried blood splatters darted across her face. Her left eye was completely swollen shut and her lip had been split again.
âDucky youâre here! Iâve been waiting agesâ
âIâm here Bunny but what happened?â
âI thought you wasnât comingâ
âY/n what happened to your face?â
âMy father got mad last night when I came home. I like your clothesâ
âI had to go church, why was he mad?â
âHe ran out of his special juiceâ she shrugged one shoulder.
âHave you had any food today?â
âJust a few berries. I wonât be able to play today my arm really poorlyâ
âI brought you some sandwiches the cook made themâ
âYou can eat them Duckyâ
âItâs for you, eat and Iâll take you to my home and have my ma look at your armâ
âI canâtâ
âWhy not?â
âIâm dirtyâŠI donât want to get mud in your home, Iâll be okay promiseâ
âDonât be silly Bunny, eatâ
He watches as she carefully undoes the foil that kept the sandwiches safe, her eyes going up to his he smiles and nods. âWeâll have to take the long way round I donât think you can climb the fenceâ
âIt will get better just like last time Ducky, Iâll be okay. Thank you for the foodâ
âMy ma can help sheâs a nurseâ
âI-IâŠIâll be fine Ducky I swear itâ
Bucky wasnât having any of it. He was going to drag Bunny home to get his maâs help whether she liked it or not. He didnât know why but he felt such an overwhelming urge to protect her, he didnât want her to have bruises on her pretty face anymore or see her pretty eyes sad.
Heâs only known her for a few days and all he wants is for her to be safe.
Bucky watches silently as she devours the ham sandwiches, regret washing over him when he realises he forgot to bring a drink with him for her to have.
âThank you Ducky, it was very yummyâ she says as soon as she swallows the last bit of food.
âItâs okay Bun-â
The rest of his sentence dies on the tip of his tongue, Y/n looks at him with wide eyes, the fear drowns him whole at the monstrous booming voice coming from the other side of the woods.
âY/n! Get home now you bitch!â
âI-I-I have t-to go. Bye Buckyâ she whispers as she stands up on shaky legs.
âBunny come with meâ he whispers back afraid to speak any louder the monster will get him and his Bunny. He leans on his knees to hold her good hand as a way to get her to stay with him and not to go towards the voice that echos over the silent woods.
âI-I canât-â
âGet back here you fucking cunt!â The voice sounds again, angrier and louder this time.
âBye Buckyâ She pulls her hand away and takes off running towards the monster that awaits her. Bucky can only watch, scared for his friend, his Bunny.
The woods fall silent once again.
On Monday after he was released from Mrs Marsâs clutches he runs into the kitchen to ask the cook if she could make sandwiches once again. Saying his thanks he runs through the doors and into the garden and over the fence.
âBunny?â
No response.
Looking up in the trees to see if she was hiding again his shoulders sagged in defeat when she wasnât there.
So he waited. And waited. And waited.
It was getting dark and truth be told he was kind of scared of the tall trees that looked mean and scary in the darkness.
Reluctantly he left, slowly putting one foot in front of the other just to see if sheâll come back to see him, before he knew it he was back at the fence.
Tuesday he did his whole routine and once again asking the cook for sandwiches he takes off to the woods.
âY/n? Bunny itâs DuckyâŠâ
No response.
This time he ventured further in and went to the places Y/n had shown him, coming up empty he made his way back to the spot. The hope he had disappearing when she wasnât there waiting for him.
So he waited. And waited. And waited.
Like the day before he took his time in reaching the fence, however moving just as slower in hopes of hearing her voice.
It didnât happen.
It was Wednesday and like the past two days he repeats his actions. Frustration and sadness are the only emotions he feels when he sees that sheâs not there once again.
Bucky repeated his actions for two weeks straight. On the first Friday he had even took Steve over the fence in hopes that if she senses that he brought his friend with him that sheâd come back to him. Steve thought he was going crazy, honestly. He generally thought that Bucky had made the whole thing up just to mess with him.
It was Saturday and it had been almost three weeks without seeing her. Bucky thought Steve was right about him making it up, he thought that maybe she was his imaginary friend but she looked, sounded and felt so real.
Bucky promised Steve that this would be the last day that he ventured out into the woods to try and find her. After helping Steve over the fence he climbed over and both made their way to the designated spot.
Theyâd been out there for a while when Steve spoke up.
âBuck come on sheâs not realâ
âBut she is. I know she isâ
âLetâs go please itâs really coldâ
He was right, the winter air was getting colder now. Nodding he turns around and helps Steve off the ground, walking back in the direction of his home Steve speaks again.
âWhat did you say?â
âWhat?â
âDid you not just say something?â
âNo what did you hea-â
In the distance he hears the voice that he had been wanting to hear for three weeks now, the voice belonging to Bunny.
âD-Ducky!â
He spins around and his heart drops. Sheâs there, getting closer to him and Steve. Her smile takes up most of her face as she limps as fast as she could towards the two boys.
âBunny!â He says just as he takes off running towards her. His legs pushing him faster than ever before.
Once she was in reach he wasted no time in pulling her into his chest and wrapping his arms around her, just like he seen his father do to his ma.
âSweet Bunny youâre hereâ he lightly pants into her bushy hair.
âIâve missed you Duckyâ
âIâve missed you too Bunnyâ
Steve stands just off to the side watching the scene in front of him. Sheâs real and his best friend isnât crazy he thinks to himself.
Bucky slowly pulls away from her, his smile fading at seeing the damage and pain caused to her face close up. A cough from the side of them have their attention taken away from one another to the blonde standing there.
âY/n this is Steve my best friend, Steve this is Y/n my Bunnyâ
âHi itâs nice to meet youâ Steve says waving awkwardly.
âHi. Will you be my friend too?â Y/n asks shyly, burrowing in closer to Buckyâs embrace.
âYeah but you have to be mine tooâ
âYes!â
Bucky smiles before turning his full attention to Y/n. âBunnyâŠwhat happened?â
âI wasnât allowed to come out. I was naughtyâ
âD-did your father do this?â
âYeah. Hey look I lost two teethâ she smiled baring her teeth, and sure enough she was missing her two front ones.
âWhere did you lose them?â Bucky chuckles.
âI donât knowâ she shrugs with a giggle.
âBunny Iâm going to take you to my ma and sheâll take care of your faceâ
âItâs fine Ducky I promiseâ
âDucky?â Steve questions with a small laugh following.
âHis name is Ducky and Iâm Bunnyâ she says proudly.
âThatâs cute!â
âSteve. Shut up. Bunny come onâ
Both boys have to convince Y/n to follow them and accept help, Bucky notices the limp she has was getting worse as they walked back to the fence and he worries that if they go the long way around sheâs going to be in more pain so he tells his two friends that heâs going to help Y/n over the fence first then heâll help Steve.
Easier said than done.
After struggling to pull himself over the fence for what felt like the hundredth time he gently took Bunnyâs hand in his and marched off as if he was on a mission.
âD-DuckyâŠwhat if your ma doesnât want to help and we canât be friends anymoreâ She whispers as the trio get closer to the huge house.
âShe will help you I promise and weâll always be friends Bunny donât worryâ
Steve opens the door that leads into the kitchen and holds it open for the two, shutting it behind him he follows closely. Ignoring the muddy footprints that Y/n leaves behind her.
The trio follows the sound of music that comes from the living room, when they reach the room they see Buckyâs parents slow dancing to the hum of the song.
Bucky rolls his eyes.
Steve looks down at his shoes.
Y/n watches with a smile gracing her lips, her eyes following their movements.
âMaâ Bucky says loudly startling the couple.
âJame-oh my goodness, James who is this and what happened?â Winnie starts before her eyes land on Y/n. Detaching herself from George she moves closer to the girl.
âThis is Y/n she needs help Maâ
Winnie lands on her knees with a soft thud in front of Y/n, her hands going slowly and gently to the little girls arms - noticing her hand linked together with her sons. âHello sweetie, Iâm Winnie Iâm going to clean your wounds for you okay? Would you like to come with me please?â
âO-okayâ she says hesitantly her eyes going from Winnieâs to Buckyâs who nods and smiles at her.
Winnie takes her free hand in hers and waits for Bucky to untangle his fingers from the girl, she leads her upstairs to the bathroom, speaking softly to the girl as they go.
âThis will sting sweetie but Iâll be as gentle as I can be, let me know if Iâm hurting you okayâ she says after sheâs sat Y/n on the closed lid of the toilet.
âOkayâ
Winnie takes a few wipes from the packet and moves closer to the girl who sits there swinging her legs back and forth. Slowly wiping the ray of cuts that cover the girls face she canât help but wonder who would hurt such a beautiful creature.
âMy son James, he didnât do this did he?â Hating herself for even asking but she had to be sure.
âNo Miss, m-my father is not niceâ
âYour father did this?â Halting her movements she watches as the girl nods. âWhereâs your mother?â
âMama goes to her jobâ
âWhere does she work?â
âI donât know. I havenât seen her in two weeks, do you know where she is?â
Oh how Winnieâs heart breaks.
âI havenât sweetie, does your father hurt your mama?â
âYes. Did you know that Duckyâs my friendâ
âDucky?â
âBuckyâ
Winnie chuckles which causes Y/n to giggle âyou call him Ducky?â
âYes and he calls me Bunny. Why did you call him James Miss?â
âCall me Winnie darling and because James is first name, his middle name is Buchanan but Stevie calls him Buckyâ
âAnd I call him Duckyâ Y/n giggles loudly.
âYou do. Sweetie do you have any more cuts that I need to clean?â
Winnie watches as her face drops and as she scoots further back on the toilet. Clutching her tatty dress a little tighter in her tiny hands.
âI-I can help you Y/n, itâs okay I promiseâ
âYo-you wonât be mad?â
âNo my love I wonât be madâ
Y/n pushes herself off the seat until she stands up, her eyes finding the tiled flooring more interesting as her hands pull the bottom of her dress further up her thin body.
Winnie had to slap her hand across her mouth as she sees the unmistakable light red lines of scars mapping across the girlsâ very thin, bruised thighs.
âSw-Sweetie, i-is there more?â Her heart cracking as Y/n nods again, pulling her dress further up until Winnie had to help in pulling the whole ratty thing off her.
She fights with herself trying to keep the tears at bay as her eyes dart around from one scar to the next. She fights off the thought of how any of them happened out of her head, she knows if she let that thought in she wouldnât be able to sleep ever again.
âM-my father gets mad when he runs out of his special juice. Itâs my fault because Iâm a stupid bitch a-and a worthless cuntâ her eyes go to the ceiling as she remembers the words that her father calls her most days.
âNo no no my sweetie, you are none of them things you hear me? Y/n you are such a sweet girl, oh come here my sweet babyâ Winnie says as she brings the girl into her warm embrace gently wrapping her arms around Y/nâs slim body, pressing light kisses to her forehead. She lets the tears fall freely.
Since Y/n wasnât so use to feeling of loving hands on her she tenses up. She was confused by Winnieâs words and affection all she wanted was her Ducky.
After a while Winnie pulls away, wiping her tears with the backs of her hands she stands up on shaky legs. âIâm going to run you a nice hot bath, it will help. I promiseâ she turns to where the bathtub sat when she felt small hands tug lightly on her dress. Looking down she sees Y/n standing looking scared.
âItâs okay, here take my handâ
Filling the bathtub full of water she lets Y/n pull her underwear down and Winnie helps her into the tub.
âIâm just going to ask George to get some clothes for you and Iâll help you wash your hair okay? Iâll be right back I promiseâ
âO-okayâ
âBucky whoâs that girl?â
âY/nâ he says as he watches his ma and Bunny go upstairs, he starts to follow when his fathers hand stops him.
âI know but who is she? Where did you find her?â
âIn the woods-â
âYouâre not suppose to go out there!â George scolds.
âI know! But I did and sheâs my friend nowâ
Bucky really doesnât understand what the big deal is, okay so he disobeyed his fathers order of not going over the fence but if he didnât he wouldnât have met Y/n.
George sighs and crouches down to his sons level âson what would have happened if you fell or hurt yourself and me and your mother couldnât get to you huh? Listen son Iâm not that mad at you okay, I just worryâ
âI-Iâm sorry dadâ
âItâs okay. Do you know whoâs hurt her?â
âHer fatherâ he spits out in disgust âhe drinks special juice and he hurts my Bunny!â
George is puzzled by what this special juice could of been before it clicks, sighing at the memories of him calling the alcohol that his father use to drink when he was younger comes up after so many years of repressing the memories.
âOh son-â
âItâs not fair dad, why does he do it? Sheâs amazing and pretty and funny and weird and sheâs my friend and sh-sheâs my Bunny-â
âJames breath! Come on son breathe with me a-and Steve, watch what weâre doing. There you go, oh come here sweet boyâ George says seeing the tears fall from his sons eyes, pulling him into his arms he lets his son cry.
He hears sniffles coming from the side of him and he sees Steve crying too so he wastes no time in opening his arms for his unofficial adopted son for him to run into the hug too.
They stay in the hug before Bucky pulls away first, wiping his tears âdad can we go up and wait for ma to finish? I-I want to be with Bunny p-pleaseâ
âOf course, come onâ he holds his hands out for his sons to place theirs in his before moving towards and up the stairs.
George and Steve sit down on the wooden floor as they watch Bucky pace back and forth, his eyes going from the bathroom door to the floor and back again.
âDad whatâs taking so long?â
âIâm not sure son, itâs okay though your mother knows what sheâs doing donât worryâ
âItâs been so long thoughâ
âBucky come and sit down and tell me why you call her Bunny, ay?â
âShe calls him Ducky, Georgeâ Steve giggles and George has to stifle his laugh as Bucky glares at Steve.
âDucky, um strange. So Bunny?â
Bucky rolls his eyes and sits down next to his father âshe calls me Ducky because she said Bucky was a strange name, I call her Bunny because sheâs cuteâŠlike a bunny.â He shrugs, lightly tapping his knees with his fingers.
âI think Bucky loves Bunnyâ Steve tries and fails to whisper to George.
âI donât love her Steven!â
âYou sure James?â
âI. Do. No. Love. Her!â Bucky growls.
âBoys calm down, Steve stop winding Bucky up about him loving Bunny and Bucky just admit you love herâ George laughs which gets slightly louder as Bucky starts hitting him.
âI do not! Thatâs gross! Girls are grossâ
âGirls arenât gross Jamesâ
âYes they are. Bunnyâs yuckyâ
Steve and George share a look full of mischief just as they start chanting âBucky loves Bunnyâ.
âI hate you both!â Bucky says standing up to begin his pacing again.
âBuck weâre only messing with youâ George starts âyour right girls are gross and yuckyâ
âDad can I ask you something?â
âOf course you canâ
âCan Bunny live with us? Iâll be extra good and I wonât ask for anything for my birthday or for Christmas I promiseâ
âI-Iâm not sure son-â
âWhy not? Please dad-â
âBecause she has parents Bucky-â
âHer dad hurts her!â
âShe has a mother?â
âYeah but-â
âBucky-â
âIâll run away and Iâll take Bunny with me.â
Sighing whilst sliding his hands down his face George is about to reply when the bathroom door opens, Winnie waving him over.
âIs Bunny okay ma?â
âShe is darling I just need to talk to your father for a secondâ
âCan I see her?â
âNot yet, sheâs in the bath. George can you go and get some clothes from Jamesâs room pleaseâ
âOf course my loveâ
Bucky and Steve watches as George heads down the corridor and slipping into Buckyâs bedroom, not long after he comes back with a red checkered pants and a woolly sweater and some socks.
âWill this be okay?â
âYes, thank you. How about you take the boys downstairs and start doing dinner? Make enough so that Y/n can join usâ Winnie smiles trying not to look George in his eyes knowing that heâll know that sheâs been crying and she really didnât want the boys knowing that their friend is covered in scars.
âCome boys you can help me, you have to make sure I donât burn the house downâ
Bucky waits until Steve and his dad is a little further down the hallway, turning to his mom he cocks his head to the side. âMaâŠis she really okay?â
âShe will be James, you should be proud of yourself for bringing her home to get helpâ
âYeahâŠMa I already asked dad but can Y/n live with us? Iâll be extra good I swear!â
âWe-I-Bucky please go downstairs and help your father and Stevie with dinnerâ
Huffing loudly he nods and heads to the kitchen.
Winnies heart breaks as the hope vanishing from her sons eyes at the prospect of Y/n living with them. She couldnât lie that the thought of having her in their home where she was safe and protected hadnât crossed her mind, sadly she knew she just couldnât kidnap the child no matter how bad her home life was.
âThese belong to James but you can wear them, letâs get you cleaned up before we have some dinnerâ
After carefully cleaning Y/nâs body with the sponge and lavender body wash Winnie took her time in washing the girls hair, slowly untangling the knots apologising every time she snagged a rough one.
Once cleaned, dried and wearing warm clothes Winnie started on brushing Y/nâs hair, taking her time once again as the girls hair was curly and bushier than before.
âAll done my sweetie. Letâs go and get some food in our tummies, yeah?â
âA-are you sure Miss?â
âOf course, you must be hungryâ
Y/n nods and holds out her hand for Winnie to take, the woman does so with a smile on her lips and leads them downstairs to the kitchen. Steve was the first one to notice Winnie and Y/n standing at the archway he had to blink a few times to make sure it was really his new friend standing there.
âBuckâ Steve whispers towards Bucky.
âWhat?â He whispers back.
âLookâ
âWha-Bunny!â Bucky noticing the blonde staring off so his bright blue eyes followed, landing on Y/n. Dropping the cutlery on the side he rushes over instantly pulling her in for a hug. âYou smell nice an-and your hair isnât wild no moreâ
âI had a bath Ducky!â She beams proudly, hugging him just as tight as he was.
Winnieâs eyes found Georgeâs smiling sadly at her husband as she moves closer to him.
Steve stands there for a few minutes before slowly moving towards his friends and wrapping his arms around the pair.
âItâs called spaghetti and itâs niceâ Bucky says showing Y/n how to twirl her fork around the food, after he had to stop her from picking up the food with her hands.
âIt looks like wormiesâ she giggles.
âItâs nicer then worms Bunnyâ
She soon gets the hang of twirling the spaghetti around the fork and everyoneâs taken back by the fact sheâs the first one to eat every last bit of the home cooked meal.
âWould you like seconds Y/n? Thereâs plenty more leftâ George says already standing up to place more on her plate.
âSeconds?â She asks.
âIt means you can have more Bunnyâ Bucky informs her.
âI-I-am I allowed Ducky?â
âYeah, do you want so more?â
âYes. Itâs very yummyâ
George piles more food on her plate, feeling rather proud of himself that someone likes his cooking - at the weekends the staff have the two days off and normally Winnie takes over cooking, on the rare occasions that George cooks everybody complains about it being burnt or undercooked.
âThank you Mrâ Y/n whispers before digging in again.
Her plate is once again empty before anyone elseâs.
Y/n sits patiently waiting for Bucky to finish, her eyes fluttering around the room looking from one thing to the next when her eyes dart straight to Winnie whoâs sitting there chuckling, Y/n has no idea what is funny but she starts to giggle too smiling widely at the woman.
âDarling whatâs so funny?â George asks from his seat at the end of the table.
âSweetie look at James for meâ Winnie tells Y/n so she does. Bucky bursts out laughing when his Bunny looks at him with spaghetti sauce covering her lower faceâŠand somehow a bit on her eyebrow.
âBunny youâre messy againâ Bucky laughs, taking his napkin and lightly and as gently as he could he starts rubbing the sauce off her face.
âSorryâ
âItâs okay Bun, allâŠcleanâ
âIt just means that you enjoyed your dinnerâ George tells her.
âIt was yummy. Thank you Mr Duckyâs dadâ
âYou can call me George sweetheartâ
After dinner was done, they move into the living room, Bucky helps Y/n onto the couch and he sits next to her. Steve sitting on the other side of Y/n.
âMa, dad can Y/n live with us now?â
âJames Iâve told you itâs not that simple sonâ George starts before looking over at Winnie silently begging her to help him out.
âYour fathers right darling, she has a mama who is probably worried about herâ
âBut-â
âNo buts James-â
âPlease Maâ
âItâs okay Ducky, my father has gone away until Wednesday Iâll be okay and Iâll get to see you tomorrow and the next dayâ
âSweetieâŠwhat do you mean? Whereâs he gone?â Winnie asks.
âHe said he had to go to Mexico for work, do you know where Mexico is? Itâs super far away!â
âAnd whereâs your mama?â
âIâm not sure Iâve not seen her in two weeks Miss Winnie doesnât know where she is, do you know?â
âN-no I donât sweetheart. Is there anyone at your house?â
âNoâ
âWho would be looking after you whilst your father is away?â Winnie then asks.
âNo one, I have to go to my spot in the woods like beforeâ
Winnie looks at George in what can be described as horror. George looks at Bucky who just shrugs.
âThe spot you took me to Bunny?â
âYeahâŠdo I go now Ducky?â
âNo!â Winnie and George shouts causing the three children to jump further backwards in their seats.
âNo, we meant you can stay with us until Wednesday w-when your father gets backâ Winnie says quietly.
âYes!â Bucky cheers pulling Y/n under his arm âitâs going to be so much fun Bunny!â
Y/n giggles and nods.
Winnie tucks Y/n into bed in one of the spare rooms, she sits on the bed looking at the little girl as she brushes her hair out of her face.
âAre you okay sweetie?â
âYeah, thank you Miss Winnieâ
âYou donât need to thank me darling, would you like me to leave the light on for you?â
âNo itâs okayâ
âOkay, Iâll leave the door cracked open a little bit for you, okay?â
âOkay.â
âNight night my sweet girl, Iâll see you tomorrowâ she bends down and places a kiss to the girls forehead. Winnie freezes by the door staring into the darkness as she hears-
âNight night mamaâ
She meets George in the living room where she breaks down crying, telling him what she had saw on the tiny body belonging to Buckyâs friend, her husband holds her and cries himself.
A few glasses of wine later they head to bed themselves, Winnie stopping as she sees Y/nâs door fully shut, opening the wooden door she smiles at seeing her son in bed with Y/n, holding her tightly in his arms.
George comes up behind her, placing his hands on her hips and smiles. Whispering to her that they should go to bed, Winnie closes the door quietly.
âNight night my sweet Bunnyâ Bucky whispers into the darkness, kissing her forehead lightly, he heads off to dreamland.
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Tags: @cjand10 @unaxv @mcira @bisexualnikkisixx
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Capital Donât Cry
Summary: Sejanus is tasked with mentoring the District Two female tribute, but plot twist :0 theyâre childhood besties
Pairing: Sejanus Plinth x Fem!District Two!Reader
Requested: Yes
Word Count: 4.7k
Warnings: District Two reader, the reader is also very Lucy gray coded, childhood friends to lovers, fluff, angst, reader is close to Lucy gray, Sejanus is just depressed about the games, mentions of death, corpses and shit. Itâs the hunger games you should know. Also Arachne Crane doesnât die because sheâs the perfect bitchy character.
a/n: ok so this took forever to write because I keep procrastinating on my college essays, I will write more the second I finish I promise, also thereâs was a part I genuinely wanted to make this a Lucy gray x reader cuz Iâm in love, it could definitely do with a part two, so I could do that as well. anyway, enjoy.
edit: I will be doing a part two, if you want to be tagged comment below :P
Sejanus grimaced as the day of the Reaping unfolded in the Capitolâthe day he detested the most ever since he arrived at the Capital. The bitter taste of discontent lingered as he witnessed children, once familiar faces, thrust into a deadly game for the Capitol's perverse satisfaction. The familiarity of their faces etched in agony weighed heavily on him, casting a somber shadow over the gaudy spectacle. The games weren't just a grim tradition; they were a painful reminder of the twisted reality the Capitol government revelled in, turning the murder of their own country's children into a spectacle of survival.
As he stood in Heavensbee Hall, jaw clenched as Dean Casca Highbottom, doped up on morphling, announced that, to engage the citizens of the Capital, that the top twenty four students of Academy would mentor this years tributes. Sejanus turned to look at his "fellow" classmates who immediately began talk of what tribute they wanted to have.
As they discussed, Festus Creed chimed in, "I'm hoping for a strong one from the outer districts, someone who can actually fight."
"Absolutely, a boy with charisma. Then they'll be able to capture the audience attention and fight." Persephone Price contributed with a giggle.
Arachne Crane butted in with a disgusted tone, "Ugh, imagine being stuck with a Tribute Twelve runt, especially if it's a girl. That's a disaster waiting to happen."
The disdainful chatter, especially Arachne Crane's complaints, reinforced his stark realizationâhe was in no way a part of the Capitol. In moments like this is when it solidified to him, that he was in no way shape or form Capital. Seeking solace, he turned to the only person he trusted in the room; Coriolanus Snow, who remained stiff as a board. Despite the abrupt change of plans for the acclaimed plinth prize, Sejanus couldn't discern any emotion on Coryo's stoic face. Perhaps, with the Snows' wealth, the prize held little allure, especially for someone known for his lavish breakfasts, despite his lanky frame.
As he settled into his assigned seat, Sejanus felt a rising frustration; the atmosphere was suffocating, everyone treating the tributes as if they were animals for the slaughter. Disgusted with his forced company, he yearned to be back in District Two with his Ma, missing the familiarity of friends and the understanding community. As the Dean called out the District One tributes and mentors, Sejanus prayed he wouldn't recognize anyone from Two this year. The thought of witnessing someone he knew die for a senseless punishment, that he had to train them for, weighed heavily on his heart.
His heart stopped when Dean Highbottom announced the male tribute for District Two, and Sejanus held his breath. Florus Friend was the mentor. Sejanus lifted his eyes off the floor and glanced at the giant screen in the front of the room, there walking up to the stage in front of the city hall was Marcus. Sejanus's hands clenched into fists, jaw tightened. He didn't even have time to process his grief when he heard his name.
Dean Casca Highbottom chuckled, "Sejanus Plinth, mentoring the District Two tribute. A twist of fate, or perhaps Capitol whimsy? We'll see how you handle it."
The color drained from his face, leaving him white as a sheet. This was most definitely the work of his father, bribing the Dean to trying to desensitise him to the murder of his own people.
There, defiantly being dragged to the stage by peacekeepers, was her. The girl he used to play with at the base of the mountains, who would end up covered in dirt after their climbs. The same girl who helped his Ma bake sweets and cookies whenever time allowed. The girl he confided in when he found out about moving to the capital. The girl who gave him the same metal bracelet now clasped to his wrist since he left Two.
A stern, stoic look overcame her immediate shock. She pushed herself out of the peacekeepers' grasp, "I can walk by myself!" Ignoring her, they continued pushing her toward the stage, resulting in a stumble at the stairs. Marcus rushed over, aiding her to her feet. Sejanus fought to maintain neutrality, concealing his anguish from the observant students. He could feel the eyes boring into the back of his head. Before the screen cut away to District Three, both tributes, who had befriended Sejanus in his youth, stood hand in hand, as the blood from her palms slowly dripped onto the concrete stage.
Sejanus lay in his bed, a plush feather comforter of depression pulling him deeper into its grasp. His gaze remained fixated on the ostentatious wallpaper. The vivid display of the opulence surrounding him, the ornate patterns seemed to mock him, each swirl and curve whispering tales of the Capitol's excesses. He yearned for his childhood, a life of carelessness and freedom. A life before the war.
As Sejanus lay in his somber state, the familiar scent wafted into the room. The aroma wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, triggering memories of simpler times. Tears welled up in his eyes unconsciously, he just wished he could close his eyes and go back to District Two. Not that it would make much of a difference, both of his friends had their fates set in stone.
A sudden knock on the door jolted Sejanus out of his melancholy. In a reflex, he hastily wiped away his tears, his heart pounding with the fear that it might be his father. Both of them had gotten into an argument the moment he had gotten home.
"Sejanus, this is a monumental opportunity for you. A chance for our family to assert its place. Ensure your tribute emerges victorious."
Every day, Sejanus witnessed his father striving to assimilate into Capitol society. Yet, despite the effort, the only thing perceived was his wealth. Not a single Capital citizen would ever see the Plinths as Capital, regardless of his fathers hopeless attempts.
Slowly he glanced at his father disgusted at his choice of wording, "Tribute?"
His fathers face never altered as he spoke, "Yes, if your help your tribute win, you'll be accept-"
"Use her name, you know it!" Sejanus screamed enraged, "Is that all she is to you now, just a tribute! A girl who has known us her entire life. The girl who lived under our roof when her father was hung for his crimes against the Capital. The girl you used to tease me about becoming your future daughter-in-law."
Sejanus trembled with anger, his words escaping in gasps.
"Is that all she is to you, just another piece of meat to die for the sins of the districts?"
Sejanus threw his satchel to the floor, in a desperate attempt to escape the tense atmosphere in their kitchen. His father seized his arms tightly, but Sejanus ripped his arm free. "Don't touch me!"
As the door creaked open, relief flooded over him when he saw his Ma's face. Slowly he sunk back into his sheets. She quietly approached, taking a seat by his feet. "I made you some cookies, just like we used to make back at home," her eyes swept over his weary face. Puffy and red, his eyes brimmed with tears, streaking down his blotchy cheeks. His beautiful black curls clung to his forehead, and with gentle hands, she swiped them away. Sejanus nuzzled into the warmth of her handâshe was the only connection he had to his home.
Sejanus's voice croaked as he attempted to speak, shattered from his cries of anguish. "That could have been me, Ma." She swiped the tears that continued to fall from the corners of his eyes. She continued to try and comfort him as he voiced his thoughts.
"Ma, I haven't seen her since I left and now that I get to see her again, I'm being forced to watch her get murdered," his finger scratched at his eyes as he continued to cry. "I don't think I can do it,"
She sighed softly, contemplating how to ease his pain. Gently holding his wrists, she sought his attention.
"If I was in her position, Sejanus, I'd be scared," she sighed, searching for words to console her son. "I know, for me at least, seeing a familiar face fighting for me on the outside would give me hope, and I know when she sees you she'll feel more at ease. Give her something to live for Sejanus."
As he stood outside of the zoo, clutching a bag of sandwiches his Ma had made for every tribute, butterflies erupted in his stomach. His nerves had taken over at the thought of meeting his old friends this way. Would she even remember him?
Sejanus didn't need any help navigating his way around the zoo, crowds had gathered around the cage, although they kept their distance. Lucky Flickerman stood in the center of the crowd, doing some type of weather forecast. Sejanus spotted Coryo standing by the edge of the cage, alongside his tribute, Lucy Gray Baird. She stood talking to the Capital children that stood near them, complimenting them.
Sejanus eyes scanned the area. Tributes sat scattered around the brush and rocks. He searched the entire cage trying to find his tribute.
His girl.
His eyes were drawn to Marcus first, his dark frame was perched attentively on a rock, his eyes were like a vigilant hawk, his gaze protective and distrustful, as he kept his eyes on all the tributes. In his arms, was (Y/n). Her head rested on Marcus's shoulder, basking in what she presumed would be her final days in sunlight. Sejanus's heart dropped seeing them like this.
"(Y/n)!"
Her head immediately sprung off Marcus's shoulder as she searched for the source of the sound. A perplexed look spread across their faces.
"Marcus, over here!"
When their eyes met, Sejanus swore he felt his heart stop, after the multiple years apart he still felt the same way he did when he was a child. A bright smile etched its way upon her lips, as she attempted to get up from the rock. Marcus pulled her down to whisper something in her ear, she quickly brushed him off, making her way down the steep rock. Not seeing Marcus reaching out in an attempt to restrain her.
She sprinted to the cage, reaching her hands past the bars, her rough, scabbed hands grasping at his face. "Is that really you, Sejanus?" The harsh skin scratched over his face as she tightly gripped him, desperately examining his features with frantic eyes. His hand raised to cover hers with a nod, the sleeve of his uniform falling slightly, catching a subtle glint of sunlight on metal. Intrigued, her eyes followed the glimmer, discovering the metal bracelet she had crafted for him when they were kids. Her eyes glazed over slightly as her left hand moved to examine the polished steel.
"I can't believe you still have it," she smiled up at him, his tall frame casting her in shadow from the blazing sun. He removed her hand from his face, grasping it tightly. His finger grazed over cold metal on her wrist, and glancing down, he saw itâshe continued to wear her own bracelet. Unlike his, the metal was rusted from wear, fitting too tightly over her wrist. Sejanus couldn't help but frown, feeling like it was his fault that she ended up here.
As she observed the distress enveloping him, wearied by the weight of her situation, she felt a growing exhaustion with the constant sympathy that surrounded her.
"Are you my mentor, Sejanus?" She questioned him softly, attempting to get him to talk to her. He snapped out of his dazed state confused how she knew, "huh?"
She giggled shaking his hand a little, "I was speaking to Lucy Gray, she said that we all have mentors apparently. I think that man she's speaking to is hers," Sejanus glanced over at Coriolanus who was crouched down next to the bars as he spoke with Lucy Gray.
"Yeah, that's Coryo. He's my friend from the Academy," Sejanus said, glancing back at her. Despite her slightly gaunt appearance, she had grown into her beauty. Her eyes shone despite the challenges she was facing. He hadn't realized how resilient she was. (Y/n)'s eyes lingered on Coriolanus, a small smirk beginning to find its way onto her lips. She turned her head back to Sejanus.
"I'm glad you've made friends," he said, his head tilting to the side slightly, as if she were a puppy. "He's kind of cute, d'you think he'd think I'm pretty." Sejanus's face flushed pure red, out of shock and a bit of jealousy, his mouth agape. "I'm just kidding, Sej. I only have eyes for you."
Sejanus felt his cheeks get hotter; he didn't remember her being this forward when they were children. He stuttered slightly, unsure of how to address the comments before grasping the bag of sandwiches.
"Sit, sit, Ma made sandwiches for everybody, and she made a special one just for you and Marcus." Sejanus sat down, digging through the bag to find the sandwich his Ma made especially for her. (Y/n) sat down directly across from him, patiently awaiting the lovingly made food. While he searched, she asked him questions about his Ma and his father, his life in the Capital, and school. She could tell he missed home from the way he talked about the Capitalâ "cold and unlovable" and how "he'll never be seen as Capital" as he continued his attempt to find her food.
Eventually finding the sandwich with a little note from his Ma on the top, he handed it through the bars to her. "Tell your Ma, I said thanks. I haven't eaten since I left Two." She read the small note before beginning to devour her sandwich. She paused and glanced behind Sejanus who looked at her confused, until he saw a small shadow beside him. Turning around he saw a little girl in a emerald green dress. She couldn't have been older than six. (Y/n) waved to her, she waved back shyly, as (Y/n) complemented her beautiful dress.
Lucky Flickerman and his camera crew deftly captured the unfolding scene, gradually turning their focus to showcase the beautiful tribute from District Two, highlighting the connection between the two.
"Well, don't you just look like a princess," the little girl smiled softly, grasping onto her own dress, "I wish I had a dress that pretty,"
The girl cautiously walked towards the bars, standing next to Sejanus. (Y/n) turned to face he, giving her all of her attention, as if she was the only one there. That was something Sejanus always loved about her. Sejanus grasped onto (Y/n)s hands, sending her a small smile.
âYour dress is really pretty too,â softly moving her hands past the bars to brush her fingers against the soft tulle.
âYou really think so?â (Y/n) couldnât contain her smile, sheâd always loved children. âMy ma made this for me, when the final snow of winter melted of the mountain,â She could see Lucky Flickerman urging his cameramen to capture the scene in itâs entirety.
âIt might not be as green as yours, but itâs to show that the snow will melt and the grass will grow tall again.â
Another child appeared out from behind Sejanus, clasping her hand over the slightly younger girl, pulling her away from the bars of the cage. She turned to Sejanus uttering a sentence before storming off with the smaller child. Sejanus didnât even have to see (Y/n) face to see it drop.
"You shouldn't be feeding the animals."
Sejanus found himself in the back of the family car, immersed in thoughts of strategic tactics for (Y/n)'s survival in the games. He recognised her strong photographic memory, and with the meticulous examination of every inch of the arena, it could only be a advantage. Marcus, undeniably overprotective, was likely to form an alliance with her, the thought put him at ease. As beads of sweat formed on his forehead, the realization hit him â this could be the last time they ever saw each other after the games concluded. The weight of that impending separation lingered heavily in the confined space of the car.
He sighed deeply as the car slowed, stopping in front of a sport stadium, Sejanus briefly remembered Coryo mentioning something about an animal circus that performed there before the war. Even in the arena, the tributes would be seen as animals. He walked up the line, walking up to the front of the line where Marcus and (Y/n) stood, with Florus.
âHereâs some medicine for your hands,â Sejanus rattled around in his satchel, trying to find a pot of ointment he had brought, his finger grasped the corners. Pulling it out he unscrewed the lid, grabbing a generous amount on his fingers. âMake sure you apply it at least three time daily so it doesnât get infected, and please make sure you use enough.â
She presented her palms as he ranted on, âI will, thanks Sejanus.â Taking the pot she shoved it into a pocket hidden somewhere among the layers and layers of green tulle.
"Any plans for how I'm going to win?" She playfully grasped onto his arm looking up with puppy dog eyes. His face faltered slightly but she picked up on it. Her arms fell by her side, "You do think I'm going to win, don't you?" Her jaw was clenched, her once round eyes flooding with betrayal. Sejanus turned to reassure her quickly, pulling her into his chest, resting his head on top of her own. "Of course I do,"
Before he could elaborate the peacekeepers ushered them towards the enterance. Giant gates and turnstiles guarded the way inside. She could finally feel the nerves catching up. Her fingers quickly found their way into Sejanus's. The warmth he provided gave a temporary comfort, she knew as long as he was responsible for her, she'd live. As the tributes and their mentors began walking through the turnstiles, a loud voice emanated from the walls.
"Enjoy the show!"
The first few people slowed, glancing around for the source of the noise.
"Enjoy the show!"
(Y/n) tried her hardest to hold back her laughter, Sejanus glanced at her, confused at what she found humorous about this scenario
"A bit ironic, isn't it. It's like they built this arena just for us."
"Enjoy the show!"
The arena was big, a small pile of rubble was clumped in the center, where Sejanus presumed would be filed with weapon the next day. Seats lined all the walls of the arena, there were boxes at the top, that were most likely used for the wealthy in its heyday. It seemed scalable, and from all their time in their youth spent, scaling and rock climbing, he didn't doubt she could make her way up there.
He innocuously bumped her shoulder, making small gestures towards the boxes. She gazed at them and smiled.
"We should look around more just in case, not a very smart move after the initial fight."
The more they looked around the more concerned Sejanus got. The arena has almost no place to hide, Sejanus felt there would only be the initial battle before someone's eventual victory. He doubted that the Victory would be (Y/n)s, not with Reaper, Jessup, and Coral and her group.
Sejanus was shaken from his thought when he realised that (Y/n) wasnât by his side. He turned examining the room trying to find her. A spot of green caught his eye, (Y/n) stood by the center of the arena. She was deep in conversation with Lucy Gray, whispering something in her ear and pushing something into her hand, as Lucy Gray nodded happily. Coriolanus wasnât far behind the two, sending Sejanus a confused look. Whatever the two girls had planned, they didnât seem to tell Coriolanus either.
(Y/n) turned around, rushing back to Sejanusâs side. Her dress flowing behind her. âSorry I took so long, I just had to discuss something with Lucy Gray,â
She smiled softly at him, sliding her hand back into his own, âSince Lucy Gray and I get along so well, we decided to have an alliance. And since we both have big strong boys, who are willing to protect us. Weâve decided itâs best to stick together, at least at the startâ
âYouâre really smart, you know.â he squeezed her hand tighter.
âListen (Y/n), I-â he cut himself off when he felt a rumble beneath his feet, throwing him off balance. He heard a bomb go off and in seconds both of them were thrown to the ground. Everything went white for a sliver of time. Sejanus looked up and saw the roof of the building beginning to collapse in, he grabbed (Y/n)s hand to pull her to safety. He heard a loud grunt behind him, as shadows hastily ran past him towards the exit, he could vaguely hear the sounds of shouting and gunshots over the harsh ringing of his ears.
It was a group of tributes attempting to escape.
Sejanus turned his head to where he last saw Florus and Marcus standing, Florus had been working to try and get some type of alliance together. The two boys hadn't been far behind them, just near the stands. Florus lay on the floor, a large piece of rubble had fallen on top of his chest and across his feet. (Y/n) was on her feet rushing over to help him get it off. Most of the concrete had fallen, but the structure was extremely unstable, Sejanus needed to get her out as fast as he could.
A group of peacekeepers rushed to their side, most of them attempted to lift the rubble from Florus, though it proved to be a challenge. Sejanus grabbed (Y/n)s hand again, the wounds on her palms had reopened while she dug through the rubble to try help Florus. The blood made it hard to keep a solid grip but he pulled her along as fast as he could towards the entrance where the other mentors stood. He quickly manoeuvred her to sit down, examining her to make sure she wasnât hurt anywhere else.
âIâm ok,â she pulled his hands away from her face, her face being stained with the blood of her hands. âWhereâs Marcus, is he still in there?â
Sejanus sighed, he couldnât imagine what was going to happen to him, he wouldnât be able to outrun the Capital.
âHe escaped.â
The aftermath of the bombing was catastrophic, The Ring twins and their tributes were both killed on impact. They had been up by the stands when the bomb went off. Both of the District Ones tributes alongside Marcus tried to escape, being shot at by the peacekeepers. Only Marcus managed to escape. Five tributes and two mentors dead, and the games hadnât even begun. Sejanus hadnât even begun to think of all the injured. Almost everyone there was hurt in some way, with the tributes being carted back to the zoo to be treated by the in-house veterinarian.
Coriolanus had gotten the brunt of blast that come from the cornucopia. Shielding Lucy Gray from the initial shockwave, which let her drag him from the falling rubble-so he didnât end up like Florus had. Sejanus attempted to visit the zoo to thank her for saving his friend and to give the both of them some food but peacekeepers had the place closed down to the public. âStrict instructions from Dr. Gaul.â
As the Ring twins had their funeral, the capital decided to parade the dead tributes, two more of which had died through the night, through the streets. His eyes scanned through the tributes, he still hadnât seen Marcus, he mustâve gotten out of the Capital somehow if he hadnât been caught. Sejanus began to feel sick imagining what would happen if he got caught, if this is how they were desecrating the corpses of the dead tributes.
Two cages followed them, the tributes were separated by sex. Marcus wasnât in there either. Glancing into the female cage, he spotted (Y/n) sat in the corner, holding Lucy Gray tightly to her chest, hiding her face in her hair. They were being flaunted to the Capital citizens. His classmates surrounded him, most of them mournful. As the dead tributes were dragged closer to the group, a smiling face caught his attention. Arachne Crane, sat with a callous smile, her true nature unveiled in the heartless moment. Arachne Crane was the exact type of person the games appealed to. The Capital wouldnât cry for anything if it didnât involve themselves.
The next few days were a blur to Sejanus, the stress of it all. Worrying for Marcusâs well-being, helping with strategies, and the thought of the games was too much for him to handle. He couldnât remember much of the interviews, they had implemented a new sponsorship feature where the citizens could give the tributes gifts. (Y/n) having a talent for sewing, talked about dresses she had made, and went into the story behind her own.
â-and Iâm very privileged to be able witness the beautiful fashion here in the capital, itâs inspired me quite a bit,â she said to the cameras as Lucky Flickerman, who had a grin painted onto his face, asked her if she had any final words she wanted to say.
There was a pregnant pause, the studio fell into silence for a brief moment. Sejanus looked over at her, reaching his hand over to comfort her own. Her mask had begun to crack, âfinal words?â
Lucky nodded happily, gesturing to the camera to make sure they were getting the shot.
"I-ughâŠI donât know what to say," she stammered, her voice trembling with the weight of impending finality. Desperation clouded her eyes as she turned to Sejanus, seeking solace in his familiar gaze. He, however, stood frozen in place, his entire being paralyzed by the realization that these might not only be her last words to the heartless Capital but also her farewell to him.
In that haunting moment, their eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes of unspoken fears. Sejanus felt the grip of fear and helplessness tightening around his chest, In response, he managed to summon a small, almost imperceptible nod of reassurance. Amidst the shadow of impending doom, he needed her to find strength within herself, to muster the courage to face the horrors of the arena.
His silent plea echoed in that nodâa desperate, unspoken urging for her to believe in her own resilience, to fight fiercely for her life within those ruthless confines. For Sejanus, it wasn't just a wish; it was a desperate need, a fervent desire for her survival that resonated in the silent exchanges of their haunted gaze. He needed her to live, not just for herself but for the fragile hope that flickered within the recesses of his heart.
As Lucky Flickerman began to move on, finalizing the end of the segment, Sejanus found himself unable to tear his eyes away from hers. In the depth of her gaze, he glimpsed the raw, unfiltered fear that gripped her.
The loud stomping of boots drew her attention away from Sejanus, and immediately, she was engulfed by peacekeepers who forcefully pulled her back toward the transport car they had arrived in. She struggled against their relentless grip, her desperate gaze reaching out for Sejanus, who stood frozenâhis entire being paralyzed by the tumultuous emotions coursing through him.
The overwhelming cacophony of boots on hardwood, the grating noise of Lucky Flickerman's voice, and the clattering of heavy filming machinery being rearranged drowned out (Y/n)'s cries for him, leaving Sejanus trapped in a haunting symphony of despair.
Sejanus rushed to follow the peacekeepers toward the exit of the building, where (Y/n) was harshly thrown into the train car. Lucy Gray, helped her to her feet, delicately dusting off the back of her dress.
Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she gazed at him for the last time. She whispered a sentence, and before Sejanus could respond, the peacekeepers ruthlessly slammed the doors shut in his face. Sejanus breathed out,
"I love you too."
Taglist: @nolanbiigfishboi @0liveleaf @valterras @daisydark
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