Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, only the plot and the universe in which they... in which they... do nothing really that significant... Y'know, because they don't really do things like save the world or create cures for cancer... Why? Because they're in high school? So yeah... YOU GET THE POINT.
A/N: I'm hungry now... You'll see why after you read the chapter. I have a feeling you'll like it. Sorry it's so late. Life. Kinda sucks but if I didn't live you wouldn't get your chapter so...
ANYWAY, thanks to people are at the bottom as per usual. ON WITH CHAPTER 8!
If you enjoyed reading, please review, follow, favourite and/or PM me :)
-R
PART 1
Chapter 8
Cato seemed to think her terror was funny. Goddam him. Clove'd tear him limb from limb when he stopped driving!
"What's the matter, Clove, dearest?" He smirked at her from the driver's seat. "Scared?"
"Of you fucking killing us?! YES!" she half-screamed.
He rolled his eyes. She was so melodramatic. "C'mon, Clove, live a little." he encourgaed her.
"I can't fucking live a little if I'm dead!"
He grinned, always the smart-ass. "Just relax and enjoy the ride. I'm sure this has to be the most expensive car you've been in. Runs really smooth. Purrs like a kitten." To demonstrate. He pressed his foot down harder on the pedal and the engine roared. Clove shrieked.
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT CARS SO FUCKING SLOW DOWN!"
"Chill, Clove. You're wearing a seatbelt, right?" He raised an eyebrow knowingly. Truth be told, she wasn't. She had still been in murderous shock when he had set off and had forgotten all about it. Her eyes widened comically. She lunged for the seatbelt, grabbing it so hard that it stopped, thinking it was in a crash, and refused to budge.
"You have to do it slowly. Geez, haven't you been in a car before?" Usually that kind of comment made her annoyed, but at that moment, she didn't care.
When her seatbelt finally clicked into place, she leaned back on her seat, closing her eyes.
Then she frowned.
The engine wasn't roaring anymore.
Opening an eye, she peeked out of the window. Leaning forward she opened both her eyes and looked at the dash board. 29 mph.
She turned around robotically to face a laughing Cato.
Had all that been to- "FUCKING HELL, CATO. YOU SCARED ME TO DEATH! AND DON'T YOU THINK I APPROVE OF YOU DRIVING JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE STICKING TO THE SPEED LIMIT! BECAUSE I DON'T. NO WAY IN HELL WILL I EVER-"
"Hello." he interrupted her, keeping his eyes on the road. As much as she liked him looking at the road whilst he was driving – though he shouldn't be driving in the first place – she couldn't see the emotions brewing in his eyes when he did. Cato was like an open book in that way.
She stared at him, dumbfounded. What?
"In social situations such as these, you're supposed to greet the other person back, right?"
He had greeted her? Ah, whilst I was preoccupied on thinking of ways to kill Peeta.
She bowed her head out of reflex, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Sorry. Hi."
Cato beamed like he had just won something big, and to him, it felt like he had. He was taking baby steps with Clove. Baby steps. But that didn't mean he couldn't tease her along the way because God, was she slow. He was pretty sure teaching a kid to walk was faster than becoming friends with her. Probably his fault, though.
The car was enveloped in a comfortable silence, from a young age Clove had been taught silence was okay so she feel awkward very often. Cato had been used to girls causing him headaches even before the date began, so the silence was peaceful and he welcomed it. That was, he welcomed it until it looked like she was going to drop off asleep. And that wouldn't be any fun.
"Tell me about yourself." he commanded.
She snorted. "What is this, the tedious first-date chit-chat?"
"How would you know when you've never had a first-date?" he retorted, saying it before he thought about it. He was suddenly worried. What if she had a boyfriend? What if she still had a boyfriend? The answer to the second question was easy; he'd steal her from him. A simple and brainless answer, which probably stemmed from the caveman era of 'Me want girl. Me get girl.'
Clove looked out of the window again as she mumbled, "Touché."
Cato was beyond happy at her answer and he felt like letting go of the wheel and doing a happy dance. He doubted Clove would be too happy if he did though.
"Tell me about yourself." he repeated.
She sighed and started talking in a very bored voice, "Clove Roxen. Sixteen years of age. Birthday: 30th July. I take the three sciences, P.E. and Art, the last one because I'm good at it and universities like variety. Someday, I'll become a physiotherapist and treat famous sports stars."
Cato is silent as he considers my words. Finally he says, "We'll be together for a long time then?"
Clove was confused. "What... do you mean by that?"
"Well," he said slowly, "I'll become a famous footballer and you'll be my physiotherapist."
She laughed gently. "Things don't just work out like that, Cato."
"They will," he promised, a twinkle in his eyes. Clove didn't know why, but when he looked at her like that, her chest squeezed painfully. He carried on, "I'll toss out every single physiotherapist in the country until the only one left is you."
Clove didnt know what to say to that. Hell, it was like a fucking proposal (not in that way – you were thinking it!), for Christ's sakes! A strange proposal, but one all the same!
The car halted to a stop and Clove jolted out of her daydream. What time was it already? She looked at her watch. 7pm. They'd been driving for just under an hour. Why did he want to take her someplace so far away? And why was she letting him?
"Where are we?" Clove grumbled, closing her eyes once more. Her freaking out had obviously left her quite tired.
"A really nice place. You'll love it." Cato promised her, a smile lighting up his face. What was so good that he'd actually genuinely smile when thinking about it? She didn't know but she wanted to find out. "It's one of my favourite places."
Making a show out of it, Clove groaned and opened the door like all this was a chore; she was actually quite excited but would never show it.
Looking up, she found herself staring at a sign which read 'Clockwork Café' in Gothic text, a fancy and exquisite border around it. Clove felt her mouth drop open, He must have been pulling some sort of prank on her as he dragged her towards it, over the cobbled street.
"You're serious?" she managed to squeak as he pushed open the door, knocking into the little bell strategically placed above it. The quiet ring of the bell resonated through the tea room, through the silence.
Immediately, a pretty girl strolled up to them wearing a frilly apron.
"Table for two?" she asked, looking from Cato's to my face. Cato nodded, giving her his coat as though he'd done it a thousand times before. Clove paused, unsure of what to do and the girl held out her arms in a helpful gesture. Clove slipped out of the thin jacket she had put on before coming out, expecting to only be away from home for a half hour. The girl looked mischievously from Clove to Cato and, in a quiet whisper, asked, "Are you dating?"
Clove pulled away, a frown obvious on her face, shaking her head from side to side. The girl pouted before beaming again.
Nice mood swings, Clove thought.
"Well, it's not like Cato keeps girls for too long. You look nice, it'd be a shame for you to get hurt." Clove really didn't get this girl or why she was so nosy. And dating? No, no, no, no. That kind of thing was reserved for the likes of Glimmer. No, she wasn't planning on a relationship at least until university – boys mess with your head and she couldn't afford that in one of her most important years.
As she walked to where Cato was sitting, taking the seat opposite him, he caught sight of the expression on her face. Clove believed it to be somewhere in between confusion and shock.
"What?" he said. She explained the encounter he'd just had. Immediately, he groaned, letting his head fall into his hands.
"Sorry, she's a tease. One of my elder sister's friends. How I found out about this place." Clove was slightly shocked to learn he had siblings, he'd seemed so like an only-child. He was selfish with his possessions too like an only child but Clove didn't know that yet.
"I didn't know you had any brothers or sisters."
He smiles grimly at her, "I wish I didn't. My little sister, Celeste – she's six – is adorable but if I have to listen to another one of her tantrums I'm going to scream. My older sister, Demi, is a bitch. That's all I really need to say." Clove ended up laughing without realising it.
"Do you have any devil-spawn sharing your genes?"
She snorted at his way of phrasing it and shook her head. "No, I'm an only child."
Cato leaned back in his seat, a hand running through his messy blonde hair. "Really? I would've pegged you for the type to have a little brother at least."
"And I would've bet that you were an only child," she teased back. This was better than she had expected it to be. She liked this Cato, laidback and completely at ease – and he wasn't glaring, which was a plus.
The girl returned with menus, eyeing Clove suspiciously when she saw Cato's smile and heard his polite thank you. She walked away, rolling her eyes. Wow, he is so whipped.
"I already know what I'm having," Cato told her, tossing the menu to the side. "She only gives me it so as I look like I don't come in here as often as I do. Could hurt my reputation."
Clove nearly facepalmed herself. The arrogant Cato was back. "Reputation? Ah, seriously..."
She looked down at the menu then saw what he meant. Everything on it was either sweet or tiny finger sandwiches. She looked up at him, startled, then back down at the menu.
"Woah!" she exclaimed.
"What...?"
"And I thought it was bad enough you go into a girly tea room by yourself – you can't even order anything vaguely manly!"
Cato clicked his tongue, annoyed. "Have you chosen?" he snapped.
She snickered. "Nope," Popping the 'p'. "I don't even know what half this stuff is."
It was his turn to snicker now. "I'll order for you, then."
She started to protest but he cut her off. "Trust me."
She raised an eyebrow. "Like I trusted you before you shoved me into the car you drove here?"
Cato sighed, acting exasperated but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're still hung up over that?"
"Yup."
He looked her in the eyes then, her heart beat irregularly, "Trust me." He said it slowly, emphasising each word. Clove didn't recognise her own voice when she replied,
"Fine,"
Another waitress placed a tray on their table minutes after they ordered, Cato saying something like 'Early Grey Tea Set' or something like that. Earl Grey? Was that a person? She mused for a while at what she'd be eating, but she didn't have to wait long.
Licking her lips, Clove was suddenly glad she'd let Cato order for her. They were sharing a tray containing two teacups on saucers, two teabags with frilly edges, a small pot of milk, a small teapot of boiled water, and a three-tier cupcake stand, complete with different sorts of cakes and scones. Cato immediately set out making their tea, a seasoned pro at it, and Clove laughed internally at the contrast between him and the very girly tea set. She snuck out her phone and took a picture while he was concentrating. He looked up at the shutter sound of her phone's camera, giving her a 'Really?' look; she only shrugged in response. Carefully, he passed over the tea and Clove took the saucer of sugar, putting three heaped teaspoons into it.
Cato wanted to snatch the sugar off of her – she was ruining his perfect cup of tea – but refrained from doing so. But it was such a waste... Until she beamed at him after sipping her tea.
"It's really nice," she told him, taking larger mouthfuls. He poured his own tea.
"You should taste the cakes."
"Oh I fully well intend to." she winked at him.
Cato was so happy she hadn't killed him on the way.
The car stopped outside Clove's house and she was reluctant to get out of his car. True, he was illegally driving, but he was driving and it was so warm inside the car. Sighing, she picked at her final cupcake, popping a piece into her mouth. She turned to see Cato staring intently at her.
"What?" she asked into the silence.
"Want some?"
"Yes, please."
She frowned, since when did he say 'Yes, plea-'
All coherent thoughts were abandoned as he leaned over to her seat and kissed her. His eyes were closed and she felt the strange urge to close hers, so she did. She instantly regretted it though because her other senses heightened, letting her mind be invaded by the smell of a nice cologne and the feeling of his lips on hers. Too soon, he broke away, his smile deadly and playful at the same time. She merely stared at him in shock as he licked his lips.
"Mmm, sweet."
Oh, she thought, I had icing on my lips... That's why...
It still didn't make any sense.
"Thanks," he said, right before she opened the door and bolted.
Cato groaned. God, he was so whipped.
Still angry at me...? :P C'mon! I added in a kiss scene for you guys! It was pretty awkward writing it, considering I have very limited experience and I was half-expecting my parents to walk in on me. I swear whenever they do I look like a criminal because I just close all my tabs (I'm usually reading fanfics or manga). It's a bad habit.
ANYWAY, REVIEW FOR THE KISS. How will Clove react? How do you want her to react? Did Cato just do it because Marvel confessed first? Write your replies in your reviews!
Thanks to all my followers and favouriters! Reviewers, look down :D
TO ALL MY LOVELY REVIEWERS:
Emma: Sorry I've made you wait this long -_- Jealous Cato is just... ARGH I CAN'T DESCRIBE HOW MUCH AUSHFHSIHAIEWGRIYGi FEELINGS. Haha how loud is your laugh for it to go through walls, or are they just really thin XD ? I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and I'm sorry, if at any point in the future, I decide to be evil and accidentally inadvertently give you nightmares. But, just remember, the plot isn't set in stone yet so I may not cause you Clarvel nightmares... ANYWAY EXAGGERATING IS FUN! Apart from when weather-men do it because they said it would snow where I live, thus closing all schools in my area (apart from mine, mine would stay open in the apocalypse - you think I'm joking when I am actually DEAD SERIOUS. It's not even funny. I have a feeling my headmistress lives there to open the school on a snow day.) and I'd get a day off of school to fangirl over HG and BR but NOOOOOOO it's not snowing... . /rant over/ Yeah... mai bad...
craig mabbitt is HOT: Meh, everyone feels bad for Marvel in fanfics XD In the book, you just think 'KILL HIM' for killing Rue, but in fanfics he's actually nice most times but he never gets a girl -_- Mostly because we ship other couples :P CLATO IS AMAZING *high five for serious Clato shipping times*
Catostrophic-Cloverfields: OMG... YOUR USERNAME... IS... JUST... GENIUS. Thanks for your review! I usually post chapter more quickly than this but yeah... life...
catoandclove4eva: How about ACTUALLY kiss in the car :P I laughed when I read what you wanted :P YOU READ MY MIND! Thanks for reviewing!
hgfan16: I just LUUUUURV cliffhangers right now *runs away from Clove screaming at me not to say 'LUUUUUURV' ever again* Thanks for your review!
Kato45: Thank you, my humour is obviously improving in leaps and bounds ^^ I wonder if this'll be your favourite chapter to date so far... The details of Clove's scar will be explained soon... But not too soon, because I keep forgetting about it when writing my plot... BUT IT WILL BE EXPLAINED. EVENTUALLY. Just keep bugging me about it and I'll end up writing the chapter which explains it :) *DIGITAL HIGH FIVE BACK FOR BEING SUCH AN AWESOME REVIEWER!* As usual, thanks for your support ^^ WE'RE ON CHAPTER EIGHT NOW~~~ HELL YEAH~!
REMEMBER GUYS, REVIEW, FAVOURITE, FOLLOW AND/OR PM ME FOR THE KISS SCENE :D
-R