-June Fisher, Victor of the 125th Games-
June could feel the hovercraft landing as soon as their descent began. She barely wanted to move from where she was tightly pressed into Prentice's side, his arm around her as he was looking out the window. "We're landing," she said quietly.
"Already?!" Riggs asked, but he felt the air jostle them a little bit and his stomach dropped. "Oh damn."
"I hate landing," Gian mumbled, closing his eyes and pressing his face into Riggs's stomach. Riggs just laughed and gently rubbed his hair as he grabbed onto one of the loops by them for support and held onto him.
"I got you," he said softly.
"You sicken me," June said, but she was feeling a little nervous and comforted by Prentice's arm around her.
"What the fuck is that?" Arthur asked from where he was looking out the window. "Where are we?!"
Helen got up to stand next to him, Ceru by her side. The look on her face made June's stomach sink.
She was the first to get up, going to her closest window. The gasp from Miracle beside her was completely lost on her by what she saw.
Fire.
"What's going on?" she asked quietly, jumping a little bit when she felt arms around her before she leaned back into Prentice. "Where are we?" But she just had a terrible feeling. She turned around and heard the murmuring of the Victors as the craft pulled back up suddenly, and she and Prentice fell back a little bit, caught by Miracle.
"Oh God why," Gian said, holding his stomach as Riggs made eye contact with June to try and discern what was going on. She could see the deep concern on the faces of her fellow Victors, trying to find just one that was reassuring. But even sweet Angelina had her brows creased as she was glued to Bates's side, who had a haunted look on his face.
"I want answers," June said finally. If none of them were going to, she would be that person. She was going to march out, but she didn't have to, as the door to the cockpit opened up and Anakyn and Ambrose walked out of it, their faces looking just as haunted as the rest of them. "What's going on!?"
A few of the other mentors started to talk, but the noise eventually fizzled out when Ambrose put up their hands.
"I know you're concerned, so are we," they said, looking over at Anakyn, hoping he would deliver the difficult news. He just cleared his throat, looking so tired, and rubbed his face a few times.
"We're going to emergency land in the wilderness by District Eight. What we all just saw…" He avoided looking over at June and Prentice and she fucking knew what he was about to say. "Bombs. In District Nine."
She could feel Prentice's arms around her go limp for a second as it settled in. June didn't move. Her heart slowly sunk all the way down her chest to her stomach and settled there for a long second.
"Our mission is just… To get you all safely to the remains of District Thirteen," Ambrose said, also not looking over at June and Prentice. "And that's what we're going to do. But we have to stay clear of the air just in case for right now. We're going to keep you all safe."
"That's a promise," Ani added with some fire in his eyes. "We're not going to let you guys down." He obliged Helen when she hugged him around the stomach, putting an arm around her in turn. He had to stay strong for all of them, but especially her, she was everything to him.
June could barely hear what they were saying at that point. She just slowly sunk down. She could feel their pity and she looked up to see Riggs looking at her with deep-rooted concern.
"I'm fine," she said, barely able to hear or process her own voice. That reaction was just instinctual now, the words held no meaning to her.
Prentice slowly sat next to her. "How dare they," he said, gritting his teeth together.
June thought about all the people that were there when it happened. She could see the fire burning down her home – it was ingrained in her brain now. She would never forget that. All those people… Her family, Prentice's little sister, Jasper's loved ones… And… "Vale," she said, her voice breaking. He was staying home this year… He was there.
When Riggs hugged her, that was when the tears started to pour out of her eyes. This wasn't fair. Why did it have to be their home, their family and friends!? Life was finally starting to look up for her District after her and Prentice won back-to-back, and now… It was gone. All of it, in a matter of minutes, gone. Riggs just kept his arms around her, and soon there was a small group by Prentice's side, having their hands on him, hugging him, and her too. She couldn't believe they would do this… But she could.
Was this worth her home? Her family?! Her friends?! She suddenly wasn't so sure. Was this the necessary price to pay, the lives of all of those people?! She'd already had to witness the death of Jasper, her friend, who despite their messy past, she still had so much love for… She wanted to protect others from this, but in the process she'd just caused more death…
"This is not our fault, this is the Capitol's doing," Tim told them quietly. "They caused this."
But when June thought of those faces she saw walking down the street – tired, but happy… She couldn't help but feel like it was the war they'd started that caused this.
June wasn't sure how long passed since she was here getting hugged by them, but soon the craft descended again, this time gently, and gave a slight bump when it landed. June heard footsteps, looking up and seeing Ambrose, and Ani, who was holding Em by the shirt though the escort's hands were still bound.
"They're sending a brigade from Three to look for the survivors around the area. We also have a source in the District that survived, he's going to search the southern end," Ambrose said, trying to stay positive. But their voice was laced with hopelessness.
"I saw the fire," June said quietly. It was so bleak. She was still thinking about it, but rubbed her eyes. She just wanted to focus on something, anything else. She gently reached over to rub Prentice's cheek, trying not to tear up from how wet it was. Seeing him this way was almost worse… "What do you need from us?"
"Just continue to lay low. Our allies from Eight are coming with food and supplies," Anakyn reassured them, looking over at Em, but he looked more like a husk than a human. The fight was gone and he was just… Resigned. "You never know," he told June and Prentice, but at that point everyone knew. "So long as things stay calm, we'll fly over Three and arrive at Thirteen by tomorrow."
June wiped her cheeks and tightened her jaw, trying to avoid thinking about it all. It would be such a relief to finally reach safety – at least, some degree of safety more than this. "Thank you," she said, but she was squeezing Riggs's hand tightly for support.
"I'm going to meet them," Ambrose said, pulling up a map just in case. "Though I think we're hard to miss."
June looked over, glad to see Angelina and Bates coaxing Prentice to sit up while Arthur wiped his cheeks. Helen passed June a tissue and she blew her nose, and saw all their faces flashing in her brain, swallowing down another sob and trying to be strong. Miracle had some water for her and passed over, and drinking did feel good, but not as good as forgetting would…
June had finished her water when she could hear the air-lock release on the door and watched Ambrose walk on, followed by a group of strangers that were all wearing backpacks loaded up with things. She could feel Prentice tense up when he saw them – they weren't exactly gentle on the eyes. Two of them had face tattoos and all of them had a lot of piercings.
"Oh don't look so freaked out, we have bread," the woman at the front of the group said. "And it's warm, which was absolutely my idea." She took out a loaf, unwrapping it from napkins and it was steaming a little bit. Anakyn took it, bringing it over to June and Prentice first.
"Oh goody, we're the most recent tragedy so we get first dibs," she said as she took a piece, not totally used to District Eight bread but at that point she would have killed for warm food.
"Warming up the bread was actually my idea," said a tall man with a mohawk, his eyes hidden behind star-shaped sunglasses. "But will anyone believe Monty? Noooo."
"Oh shuddup," the leader said, pulling out a container of stew that was also still warm from her bag. "Chica, the bowls."
"I gotchu boo," said the blonde that had obviously had some form of boob job.
"Who in District Eight could afford a boob job?" Gian asked quietly, trying not to stare.
"Someone whose sister is a sugar baby!" the blonde answered with a grin over at the other girl that had also obviously had a boob job.
"Oh God," said Ant as he received a bowl of stew from the leader. "Thank you Roxy." It was obvious he recognized at least a few of them.
"Spoila' alert, she's Tartan's baby, Mista," said a shaggy ginger with and eyepatch and stitches tattooed off their mouth. They handed a bowl to Bates. "This is the best stew I eva' made."
"Again, I helped," Monty grumbled.
"Stop it, Foxy made wonderful stew, good job Foxy," Chica said, grinning and flicking a piece of Vos's hair that flipped up. "Ignore the punk-ass bitch."
"Ey ey ey, Missus, ca'ful with the flippies!" Vos said, swatting her hand away.
"Aw, you like it!" Chica said, holding their face and making a kissy face.
"Ey, I'm ace or whateva!" Vos said, but their cheeks got bright red.
"Yeah," their leader said with a snort. "Well, I'm Janine," she said. "These are my weird friends. But we're all passionate about helping your cause for different reasons. Roux, come on baby, don't go slacking on the stew delivery." The young boy that was clinging to her side just shook his head, not talking. He flapped one of his hands a couple times and Janine just sighed. "Give him a minute."
"Well, we just appreciate you being here," Ani said, feeding Em first before he would have his own serving. Helen put a piece of bread in Ani's mouth after he was done talking, which he took begrudgingly knowing that she was just taking care of him.
"No kidding," Angelina said, sighing contentedly at the warm meal and a few gave their ascensions.
"It's a cause important to us, in part because it was important to our friend," Janine said, sitting and taking a piece of bread as Roux climbed in her lap and clung to her. There was a sad veil cast over all of the friends at the mention of him. "We were friends of Indy Alejo, he was killed a few years ago trying to save outcasts of the system like us."
"And now we're here," Chica said reassuringly with a small smile. But it faded when she saw the downcast look on Monty's face, biting her lip as she reached out to gently rub his arm. "Continuing the good work."
"Yeah, I saved this one," Janine said, picking up a piece of Roux's hair and moving it out of his face. "Your hair's gettin' long, bubba." Roux just clung a little more.
"I totally relate to the feeling of being an outcast in the system," Ani said with a nod.
"We all are to an extent," Gian said. "Did you happen to bring coffee with you?"
"I knew they'd want coffee-" Monty said, but he was cut off by Janine.
"Of course we did!" she said loudly, to the laughter of the rest of the friends.
"Oh, you just made his day," Riggs said with a chuckle as they got out an electric kettle to heat up some water and the packets of coffee. Vos busied themself with the task of making coffee, and Ani helped, knowing exactly how his friends liked it.
The group made some simple conversation as the sun sunk behind the trees into nighttime. Eventually, little by little, the conversations fizzled out, a few of them falling asleep and a few staying up for another serving of coffee. Things were calm for a while, leaving June alone with her thoughts as she tried not to wake anyone else up. But loneliness was the worst feeling. The warm beverage made her feel a little better, but it did nothing to fill the void that was left by the loss of her home.
She jumped a little bit when she heard Janine speak from the other side of the room.
"The mentors and escorts are all accounted for," she said, putting a hand by her ear on instinct. She was quiet for a second, and then she let out a loud scream that made almost all of them wake up. Roux flipped her off and rolled over.
"The hell's wrong with you?!" asked Vos, and June was about to ask the same thing.
Janine fanned her face a little bit, reaching over and grabbing Vos's shoulders and squeezing them tightly. "Indy," she said though her teeth.
Ambrose groaned as they rubbed their face. "Take off now? Are you sure?"
"I'm on it," Ani said, taking Em with him and Ambrose soon followed, immediately snapped back into action.
"What's going on?!" Monty asked, looking around and back to Janine.
"They-they-they found him," Janine said, sounding like she was going to hyperventilate.
"What?" Chica asked, fanning her face as she was immediately tearing up already. "How?"
"I… I don't understand," Monty said. "What are you saying?"
"You –! fucking –! punk –! ass -! bitch!" Janine said, slapping Monty's arm between each word as her voice broke. "He's ALIVE!"
"He's alive?!" Roxy asked, her jaw dropping open.
"He's alive!?" Vos echoed, looking slightly horrified. "What?!"
Janine rubbed her face, still in disbelief.
"We're taking a trip to Thirteen!"
~.~.
-Kodiak Chay, 18, District 10-
He couldn't even escape the thought of Lester in his dreams.
He was there, that smiling face, those kisses of fire they shared, they were all there. All of those things that were so exciting and new, things that Kodi had only ever dreamt of sharing with someone. It was the best night of his life. It was like time stopped. Every single feeling was pure electricity. Every touch, every kiss, every breath they shared, and of course… Finally losing his V-card.
He dreamt of the belly laughs they all shared in the kitchen with Mari and Ryder. It was like for once, things were… Good.
But when he woke up, he was painfully alone, once again. No Lester, he was gone. Who knew what they'd done to him?
His eyes filled with tears when he opened them and all he saw was the ceiling. Quiet, in the darkness. He was alone. All those whispers and wishes that they could just fall asleep together, and not have the Games the next morning. And… That thing. The thing that Kodi said to him that night…
He rubbed his eyes a little bit, trying to keep the tears away. He was happy for Mari and Ryder… He just wished that Lester was here too. But no. They were sleeping and snoring a little and Kodi was here, alone, with a burning feeling on his hips. Freddy and Lis had somehow crowded themselves onto a cot in the room with them. It made Kodi feel even more alone.
He was cursed. The one time he thought he had someone…
There came a point that he just couldn't stand it anymore, he couldn't be in there surrounded by the people that had someone while he was here alone. He took a blanket to wear around his shoulders and snuck out to the living area as quietly as he could. He was tired of having the others look for him, and try to comfort him. He knew that Ryder wasn't fucking around about being his family now, but he just… Sometimes he still couldn't believe that it was true.
He peeked out of the door, quickly stepping back when he saw the lamp on and someone in there. Of course. Nobody wanted him to sleep in the same room as them after all…
"Who's there?" Bonnie asked softly, looking up from the magazine he was reading.
Kodi looked around, biting his lip. "Nobody."
Bonnie's brows went up as he slowly closed the magazine. "You don't need to hide Kodi," he said softly.
Kodi felt his heart sink. How did Bonnie know, he said nobody was there! He also knew that Ryder didn't like when he talked to Bonnie. Why would any of them like it, Bonnie betrayed them… Kodi heard about how he sold them all out. The others didn't want the same to happen to him.
But Kodiak Chay had nothing to lose.
He went out, not even noticing that he wasn't wearing a full face of make-up, and sat by Bonnie's side on the little loveseat. Bonnie looked up, biting back a smile at his slightly messy bedhead and his face – his actual face.
Kodi looked down at the table, where Bonnie had a cup of tea steaming, and didn't look over at him. He knew he shouldn't be talking to him, but… He couldn't help it. There was only one other person here that understood this feeling of being alone… He was an orphan just like Kodi. And he knew Lester.
"I dreamt about Lester," he said quietly, his eyes filling with more tears saying it out loud.
"I dream about him all the time," Bonnie added softly. "Every time I close my eyes I see those sparkly green ones looking back at me."
"They are sparkly," Kodi said quietly, touching his lips and desperately trying to recall the feeling of those kisses. "I miss him. I didn't play any of my cards right, and then he was gone…"
Bonnie was quiet for a moment, his face unsure how to feel. But he had to put his confusion and slight hurt aside for a moment. "I know you may feel like it, but none of this is your fault, Kodi," he said. "Truly. It's mine."
Kodi looked over at him, the soft light reflecting off of that gentle face. He really did look much better now that the blue craziness had some time to start dissolving from his skin. "You don't have to try and comfort me. Just having someone that I can relate to is enough."
Bonnie sighed heavily. "Lester stayed for me," he said quietly, a tear dripping out of his eye. "They bombed our orphanage. And killed my little brother." His voice broke and Kodi looked over at him, his eyes widening in pure horror.
"No…"
Bonnie swallowed down his tears. He wanted to be the strong one. "Lester was there to help me look. Make me dinner. He was going to wait for me to break out Freddy and Lis before he found the safehouse. He should have been with you guys. He stayed for me." He sniffed a little bit and a tear dripped out of his eyes which he quickly wiped on his knuckle. "When we were on the run, they sent jabberjays after us. I could hear his screams." Bonnie bit his lip, as if he was going to say something else, but then didn't.
Kodi looked over at him for a second. "Oh," he said softly. Why would Lester do that? Well… He had a hunch… "Because… He loves you… Doesn't he?" he asked quietly.
Bonnie's face got sad at just the thought. "Yeah," he said quietly, but he knew it was going to hurt Kodi. "I'm sorry honey…"
Kodi put up his hand, staring down at his lap. "I should have known," he said softly. "You guys grew up together. I should have known that I was just… I was just there for the rebellion stuff, and maybe a cheap rebound." That's all he ever seemed to be to people. A cheap rebound. "It meant something to me, though," he said softly. And that was what hurt the most.
Bonnie swallowed down tears and gently patted Kodi's cheek with a tissue. "For what it's worth…" he said, wishing he could read Lester's mind… But he couldn't. "It meant something to him too," he said. And that was what was hurting him. "I could tell. We talked for a day or so after the party. And he said it was one of his favorite nights ever." Which was why Bonnie was so… Confused. But he also trusted that when Lester told him he loved him, he meant it.
"Mhm," Kodi said, but he could tell Bonnie was just trying to make him feel better. "It's okay, Bonnie. It was just a one-night stand, that's all. I was just… I was just clinging to the first man that really treated me well, and that was Lester. But we only knew each other for a few hours. He just has… A way about him. He made me feel… Special. Like we had known each other for so long… I guess that's a testament to his character."
Bonnie smiled fondly and nodded. "It is," he said. "Yeah, that's how Lester is. He's charming, and he used his charm to pull off some crazy things." But he couldn't stand the thought of talking about Lester in the past tense. "We're going to see him again," Bonnie said, his voice taking on an edge of determination. "He's a cheeky clever bastard that can do anything."
Kodi nodded a little bit, but that didn't help his hurt very much. "Yeah," he said softly.
"If there's anyone worth hoping for…" Bonnie said, taking a deep breath. "…It's him."
Kodi sighed a little bit. "Yeah, I think I want to go to bed. I think I want to be alone." He should have known that Lester had eyes for someone else. He felt foolish to believe he even had a chance with him.
Bonnie grabbed his arm. "Kodi, wait," he said, holding on when Kodi pulled away as Bonnie's hand slid into his own and gave it a squeeze. "Please don't leave. I don't want you to be alone. And… For once, you made me feel like I'm not alone. Everyone here hates me and is out to get me. Please let me have this moment of reprieve a little longer. Unless… You hate me too, now."
Kodi sighed as he looked into his face, those heavy blue eyes. Bonnie was lucky he had Lester. But Kodi couldn't just leave him. "I don't hate you," he said, sitting down beside him once again. "I hate myself," he said softly.
Bonnie frowned at him and didn't let go of his hand. "Did you clean everything up?" he asked quietly.
Kodi pulled back from him a little bit. "What the fuck are you talking about?" he asked, immediately defensive. Who would have told him?!
Bonnie just pulled his hand back to himself, looking away from him. "Nobody had to tell me," he said quietly. "I noticed how you were guarding. Same way Lester guarded his wrists when he snapped his hair tie too much," he added softly. "I know it's none of my business." He pulled his knees up to his chest. "But I'm just worried about you."
Kodi looked over at him with teary eyes. No… No anger, no disbelief, no making him feel even worse about it. No empty reassurances that things are or ever will be okay. Just… Just… Well, caring. "Oh…" he said quietly. "Thank you," he said softly. "Yeah… Everything is all clean and bandaged." He bit his lip, seeing the worry on Bonnie's face still. Something about him made Kodi want to trust him. Despite his track record… He untied his PJ pants and rolled down one side, showing his hip to Bonnie. "See?"
Bonnie looked over, seeing the bandages and the cleaned out little lines. They made his heart immeasurably sad for him. "I wish I could heal them all with a touch," he said softly as he gently held Kodi's thigh and rubbed the bandages softly with his thumb.
Kodi frowned at him. He was so gentle. And kind. And just for a moment… "I wish that too," he said softly. But no, he wasn't going to be a fool again, and go crawling to the first guy that gave him any attention. He pulled up his pants again, tying them back up. "But you can't."
Bonnie sighed quietly. "No, I can't," he whispered. And he probably made it worse, telling Kodi what was going on with Lester… "I want to show you something," he said, reaching over and grabbing a Sharpie marker. "It's called the butterfly rule. Have you heard of it?"
"No," Kodi said. "Isn't it that weird time travel thing?"
Bonnie gave a small smile. "Different thing," he said. "Here's the butterfly rule," he said, uncapping the Sharpie. "The rule is that you draw a butterfly on your body." He rolled down the top of his gym shorts and Kodi crossed his legs when he saw those abs in person. He was a gay man with eyes, he begged Parker for money when One Man Circus did a tasteful nude calendar for charity. But he blinked a few times to snap out of it, focusing solely on the butterfly that Bonnie had drawn right by his hip. "I like to think of something good when I draw mine," he added. "Like… How it's going to feel when I see Lester again. Or the taste of chocolate ice cream – I'm a total chocoholic. Or even… How it's going to feel sleeping on this couch and not on the ground. Something small. Once the butterfly is there, it lives there. But if you self-harm you're going to hurt the butterfly. It didn't do anything to deserve that, no?"
"No," Kodi said, frowning.
"And neither did you," Bonnie said, pointing at him.
Kodi's eyes sprung up with tears right away. He didn't believe that. He did everything wrong all the time. He was a fuck-up and a waste of space. He fucked everything up, he was stupid and everyone thought he was an imbecile. He didn't want to even be alive. He just wanted to hurt. But when Bonnie was there, showing him true concern, and gentleness, and kindness… He really didn't want to hurt. He just wanted to be with him. "Oh."
Bonnie handed him the Sharpie. "Whenever you're ready," he said. "Doesn't have to be tonight."
Kodi nodded a little bit, leaning over to give him a hug. And he just felt so wonderful and safe in his arms. He had that feeling. That things were… Good. Kodi curled up in his arms and he felt good. He pressed his face in his chest and it felt good. "I'm going to do it someday," he said, swallowing his tears and giving him his most important word. "I promise. And… I'm going to think of you when I do."
Bonnie smiled a little bit. "Oh," he said, chuckling softly.
Kodi managed a smile, trying to laugh at the situation he found himself in. "If you don't hate me for havin' eyes for your man," he said with a light laugh.
Bonnie laughed a little at that. "Oh, I wouldn't be surprised if Lester is trying to plan something on purpose," he confessed.
"Plan what?" Kodi asked, his brows furrowing in confusion. "To be clear that was just a joke. Honest."
"Nothing," Bonnie said, but he knew Lester and that man never did anything without a scheme in mind. "I know it was."
Kodi smiled a little bit. "Thank you Bonnie. I do feel better now. I'm glad that I didn't leave and be alone." He closed his eyes. "One night." One night free of the habit, he was back to square one after the relapse yesterday.
"Good," Bonnie said. "That's an accomplishment and you should treat it that way."
Kodi could feel his cheeks heating up despite himself. "Thanks Bonnie," he said quietly, closing his eyes and feeling… Calm. "Do you mind if I stay here for a while?" he asked quietly. "The light doesn't bother me."
Bonnie smiled. "I don't mind," he said, adjusting to lay out on the couch with Kodi laying on his chest.
Kodi closed his eyes, knowing that they didn't have much time before they would be out and on their way to District Two. "I told Lester… Well, no. I promised Lester that I would see him again. And I never break a promise. I hate that Camellia is making you go with them to Thirteen, but… Well, I'm going to bring him home to you. Because I do want you to be happy together."
Bonnie sniffed a few times and put his glasses on the side table. "Thank you," he said softly, reaching over to click off the lamp. "Good night Kodi," he said softly. Kodi could feel the warm touch of Bonnie's lips on the top of his head giving him a gentle kiss.
He closed his eyes, the thought of saying good night in his brain, but he never got the words out before he had fallen back asleep.
~.~.
-Rory Kwan, 18, District 8-
To say it was a hard journey would be an understatement. Here was Rory, in the fucking woods, putting all his trust into a Capitolite – who turned out to be a good one of course, but he was still struggling so much. Not just to trust his own life to, but also… Chiwi's. He wanted to be Chiwi's hero, he felt responsible for her, even moreso now that she was injured. Injured to save his ass, as well. She chose to do that for him. He hated that she was hurt because of him, he wanted to be her one and only champion. So much so that he was trying to not feel the need to compete with Eve right now and get them all in trouble.
"Are you okay?" he asked her for the umpteenth time when he looked over at her. He could see the pain on her expression and he hated it. "You need help?"
"I'm okay," Chiwi said, looking over at him and giving a smile. It felt good to see her smile, even if he knew it couldn't have been totally real. If he could make her feel even a little bit better, it will be well worth the trials they'd gone through this far. Hopefully they would all continue saying that…
"Lay low," Eve said, pulling up the map on her Holo again. "Alright," she said softly. "I'm paging the rebel safehouse in District Two," she said softly.
"District Two?!" Rory asked, alarmed at that prospect. "Are you crazy? We're going straight into enemy territory!"
"We're keeping you safe, this was the closest place that could house us with such short notice. You have to trust me." She gave him a bit of a look.
Rory resisted rolling his eyes. He really did want to trust her, but it was his duty to get home to his daughter – and now, to also get Chiwi back home too, wherever it was she wanted to get home. Hopefully they would have homes to get back to… He couldn't think that way right now. He had to just keep on focusing on keeping her safe, and eventually Elaina when he got back to her, finally. "Alright," he grumbled.
"We're going to be alright," Chiwi reassured him, giving his arm a squeeze. "Hey. You and me."
"Yeah," Rory said, but if anything happened to her, he would never forgive himself.
Their discussion was soon intercepted by an approaching person. Rory automatically grew on edge when he saw her – and why wouldn't he!? Her hair was raven balck, with dyed red streaks and blue bangs, but the real part of her that threw him off was her black lipstick, dark streaky eyeliner and black outfit, even in the summertime. This was going to be their savior!? Oh Jesus.
"Well, you must be Morri. I guess they were all right when they said look for the hot goth," Eve said with a chuckle.
"Tis I," she said, waving at the other two. "Morrigan Nicastro, yes, I'm sister to Pluto. And I'm here to help. But we have to be sneaky. We're hiding right in plain sight."
"Oh, great," Rory muttered under his breath.
"Thank you, for housing us," Chiwi said, trying to be polite for both of them. She elbowed Rory a little bit, and he just shrugged. He still didn't trust these people.
"Here, you're gonna wanna disguise," Morri said, throwing them each a jacket with a hood and getting to work putting a blonde wig on Chiwi. Rory watched in horror – Chiwi was not made to be a blonde at all! But… Well, if that was what would work to keep them under the radar. Rory slid a pair of sunglasses on his own face and was just praying that this wasn't going to get them killed.
"Lovely," Morri said, but she was biting her lip to hide a smile at the ridiculousness of it all. "It's not at all a far walk from here, but we can't be too safe." She led them toward the fence, where thankfully there was a big hole through one section.
"Why would they not fix this?" Chiwi asked. "Back home ours was even electrified."
"Folks here have no reason to leave," Morri said. "Well… Not usually. We did have an escapee a few years back. But generally no, even if they're humiliated by the culture and the academy, it's just comfortable to live here. Anyone can have a shot at a good life really, especially if you're physically capable. Nobody here would ever dream of biting the hand that feeds them." She slowly grinned. "Well, not until now," she added with a devious grin.
When Rory noticed where they were, his mouth fell open. "You're just going to walk us into the Victor's Village!?" he hissed under his breath, quickly putting his head down at even the thought that someone would walk past at any time.
"Woah," Chiwi said, looking around a little bit.
"Hey," Rory said, giving her hood a tug. "Look down." He waited until she did as he said.
Morri just shrugged and went to get the door for them, not even knocking and just pulling it open. "In with you," she said, ushering them all in. When she did, it was obvious right away whose house they were in.
"Wow, Pit really is a secret old white lady," Rory said under his breath, causing Chiwi to laugh. "Even she has a live laugh love plaque!"
"Hey, that's my plaque!" And when Pit's husband appeared in the door, it was obvious why. He was as white and gray as they came.
"And we love it," Chiwi said with a polite smile.
"I painted it for him, and I'm his favorite and only daughter." The woman in the door was beautiful, with steely blue-gray eyes and short dark hair framing her face. "Harper darling, our company is here, and they look simply daft."
"Coming!" sang the boy, who looked much like his mother except for tanner. Harper skipped out with a cheese board in hand. "Cheese anyone?"
"We just hiked through the woods for a day, how-" Rory started but both girls were taking a piece of cheese. "Alright, fine." He just took a cracker.
"Welcome to our little rebel safehouse," Peregrine told them, giving them all a motherly hug. Rory didn't realize how much he needed it until he got his own, hugging back like she was actually his mom. She reminded him of his own mother – kind, affectionate, loving – already. "My mother is a crazy woman with a love of destroying furniture and DiY projects. You'll be safe here."
Rory managed a smile at her and nodded. "Thank you."
"We have three bathrooms, so each of you can get cleaned up," she said. "We're expecting some more visitors later this afternoon, all things going well."
"More visitors? For what?" Eve asked curiously.
"We're going to arm them up and hopefully pull off a prison break." They all looked up at the gruff voice that spoke, obviously not a Kensy or a Hollenbeck.
"Yeah, we got a friend on the inside," Harper said dramatically. "Raf here is a Peacekeeper!"
"And my stupid brother took off out this stupid fence," he grumbled under his breath. "Hopefully whoever they send here isn't stupid."
"Other tributes?" Chiwi asked. She was anxious to hear about where the others were.
"A few," Peregrine said. "Your District partner is among them, Chiwi. Along with Luke Parker. Hopefully he's better than his parent, because if not I'm throwing out his ass to the street so fast. They're also bringing your presumed ally Ridley, and Amiah as well."
"Oh!" Chiwi said, a little excited to see her District partner again. She often talked about how she hoped Kodi was okay. He was her little slice of home. But it still made Rory a little jealous and he couldn't totally keep the stink off of his face.
Peregrine just smiled at them and then turned to Harper. "Hot Rod, can you show them to their quarters?"
"Hot Rod?" Rory asked, but he didn't question it.
"Okay!" Harper said, gesturing to the hall and the stairs in front of them. "Right after me," he said in a deeper voice as he started up the stairs. Chiwi followed and Rory stayed by her side, still a little on edge.
"One room here, the other on this side," he said, gesturing to them with his arms. "If you need anything else, just let us know. Hopefully there are clothes that fit, I put a little of everything in each room."
Chiwi smiled at him. "Thanks Harper." She seemed awful dismissive of him. And as soon as he left, Chiwi took Rory's arm and pulled him into the other room.
"What's going on?" Rory asked, blinking in confusion. "Are you okay? Did someone hurt you? Weird vibes? What?"
Chiwi sat down on the bed, giving him a bit of a look. "That's what I was going to ask you about," she said. "What gives with this whole protection thing?"
Rory blinked at her. "What?"
Chiwi sighed. "Come on, Rory. I can see you being suspicious all the time. And… You're just getting a little overbearing with the asking if I'm okay."
Rory just blinked at her in confusion. "What? You don't want me looking out for you?" That thought hurt him… A lot. It brought back feelings way too similar to how he was treated by his ex-girlfriend…
Chiwi shook her head. "I do," she said. "But I want to look after you too. I can fend for myself as well, I'm not made of glass."
"Oh," Rory said, creasing his eyebrows. He… Wasn't used to that. In his last relationship, he was the provider. And she cheated because she said he wasn't good enough, he didn't give her what she needed. He knew that she was a fucking liar, but… Well, it was hard to shake that thought and that attitude. "Hm."
Chiwi sat next to him on the bed, gently rubbing that crease between his eyebrows to make it go away. "What's going on?" she asked. "Something's happening in that big brain of yours."
Rory bit his lip. He wasn't used to being vulnerable, not with anyone except for his own daughter. But… He knew he could trust Chiwi. She was different, and he felt differently about her than anyone… "I'm sorry if it was too much," he said softly. "The truth is…" He sighed and looked away. "I care about you, Chiwi. A lot. I just want to be strong for you, and protect you, I want to be your greatest hero, the number one. My last relationship ended because that girl thought I couldn't be those things for her. And I guess I never really fully got over that fear." He gave her a hesitant glance, blushing a little when she made eye contact with him.
"That explains it," she said, giving a small smile. "Well, I'm not that girl," she said decidedly. "And you don't have to be the only one that gives and protects. I'm trained and I can fight, and I will fight for you, just like you would fight for me. And that's not a bad thing at all. Being on your team makes me happy. And I like it when you protect me. But you don't have to be the sole provider and hero… To be my number one." She was now the one that was looking away. "I think this was a long time coming, Rory," she said with a small chuckle. "Let me have your back too. Together, the two of us make a great team. And it's just that, a team. Equal effort here. Me and you."
Rory smiled over at her. Wow, she was really incredible. And the thought that even though he wasn't perfect, he would be her number one… Was also incredible. It was a feeling Rory hadn't felt in a really long time If… Ever. He was used to being the one giving and giving. But maybe he could find it in himself to receive her service. It would be a change, but… It would be a good one. "Yeah…" he said. "You're right, Chiwi. Thanks for reframing. I needed that. And… You're my number one, too."
Chiwi looked at him, holding eye contact for a second before she laughed a little giddily. "I see," she said, laughing again as she looked over at him, her gaze now much more intent. "Then let's keep on being a team with each other. You and me. Two people. A couple." She bounced her eyebrows and looked at him expectantly.
Rory could see what she was getting at and laughed at her, giving her a teasing grin. "Oh, so we agreed to both provide, but you still want me to ask!" he said, but he absolutely could not be mad at that – in fact, it would be an honor to be the one to ask. "Alright, I don't mind doing that part at all," he said, his voice growing softer. "Chiwi… Will you be my girlfriend?"
Chiwi giggled and flung herself onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly, hugging him tightly. "Yes!" she said right away. Her laughter was infectious and Rory was soon also laughing. It suddenly didn't matter that they'd been walking for days on end and had fucking protein bars to eat for the past day. He felt on top of the world.
"Guess I'll also be the one to ask…" Rory said teasingly. "…Can I kiss you?"
"Oh you'd better," Chiwi said, grabbing his face and kissing him, and it felt like everything locked into place in that moment when he kissed her back. Their kiss didn't last very long before Chiwi pulled back from him and that cheeky grin never left her lips – even as her cheeks grew rosier and rosier. "Alright, that was fun, but you stink."
"Well you stink too!" Rory said, laughing at how weird it was for him to be saying that to his girlfriend – and Chiwi was his girlfriend!
"I know!" Chiwi said, smelling her own armpits and making a face. "Let's go get clean," she said, grinning at him. "Make sure you give a thorough cleaning, I'm not done with you yet." She winked at him and stuck out her tongue teasingly.
Oh fuck, Rory got a little hard just watching her do that. "Alright alright," he said, but he still couldn't let her do all the heavy lifting there.
"Only if you do the same!"
~.~.
A/N: A few of the POVs took different turns than the teasers last chapter, but I just kinda went with the flow. Hope all is well to the few that still check in, ily…. Both. Lol.
Reunion of Indy and friends made this chap way too long so it's posted as a deleted scene on the blog.
Next Chap: Luke flirts with the enemy, Mino demonstrates some of his skills, Cadmus observes some Gay Panic in the wild.
