Sansa is the last person Cressida interviews and Cressida immediately knows there's a problem but smiles anyways.
"Thank you, Sansa," Cressida says as she cuts and Sansa gets off the chair. Even the elegant dresses in the background don't compare to Sansa's radiance.
She pulls the wedding planner away where they won't be overheard and shares her thoughts. "This couldn't look more fake if we wrote the word fake on their foreheads. Their interviews are shallow and there's nothing deep about it." Even Katniss could have done better. They had plenty good things to say about their excitement for the wedding of the century but nothing touching about Cersei. The best Sansa could say is that she admired the woman's craftiness and how happy she was for Robert.
"That could have gone better," he agrees. "You'll keep the best genuine parts of this interview. They'll warm up to Cersei as they spend more time with her this month," he decides and Cressida pities all of them. She didn't want to watch this train wreck happen.
Sansa, Loras, and Cressida help the store manager put the dresses, lights, and decorations back in place before they leave. The store manager and workers are thankful and give them free mints which Sansa gladly takes. Pollux texted her that he would be at her apartment for the shipment. It's late noon by the time they're done.
"Thank you," the owner turns off the lights of the store.
"No problem," Loras says and they walk out together. Both Loras and Cress are able to suppress their shrieks when Arya appears out of the shadows. Sansa isn't as successful.
"Oh, my gods," she yelps and steps back. "Stop doing that!"
"Nope. Cressida," grey eyes lock onto hers and Cress had to admit something was off with that stare. Arya had her father's eyes and the way they scrutinize you was as if they were trying to pull out the truth. The Stark sisters must have been to have seen something awful for the innocence to leave their eyes like this. They had the eyes of a judge and executioner. "I'm sorry to have missed the interview," Arya said without a hint of honesty.
Loras snorts and Cress smirks. "I'm sure. Where have you been?"
"Scoping. It must be my lucky day to have met two members of the star squad," Arya smiles.
"Two? Who was the other?" Sansa asks.
"No one important," Arya smiles. "Sansa can we stay out longer? I don't want to go back to Cersei."
"You're staying with Cersei," Cress winces. "That's terrible."
"Family curse is to be acquainted to terrible people," Arya shrugs.
"Cersei is a horrible host. Probably try to murder you in your sleep," Loras chuckles.
"Good. When she tries and fails I can demand retaliation," Arya smirks.
"I'm going to stay out of your shit list," Loras chuckles.
"If you two don't want to stay with Cersei you can stay with me," Cress offers without a second thought.
"No, we don't want to bother you," Sansa shakes her head.
"You're never a bother," Cress promises her and holds her hand for effect. The shy smile on Sansa's face makes her heart flutter and her insides feel made of glitter. "If you two don't mind the mess in my home."
"Thank you, Cress."
"Tell me I'm not imaging things but is there a weird intensity in the air," Cressida hears Arya whisper to Loras. "They've become really good friends after sharing their past terrible relationships."
"I want a boyfriend," Loras sighs under his breath. Loras became more likeable to Cressida and she almost smiles at him.
"Let us go grab our bags," Arya says, eager to not be anywhere near Cersei and Joffrey.
"Get home safely ladies. I heard things are boiling here," Loras bids them goodbye.
"You're not staying with the Lannisters?" Cress asks.
"No. My family is renting a place for us to stay at. It has a nice view of the city," he grins and yes it's almost as smug as Cressida's smile.
"I didn't know you had a twin," Arya jests.
"Neither did I," Cress shrugs.
Arya and Sansa exchange glances that Cressida is annoyed she can't decipher. They look at both directions of the streets and then their eyes land on Cressida.
"So... like where is Lannister tower?" Arya asks.
"...You two can easily navigate a forest but not a city?" Cressida laughs.
"In our defense, everything here is bizarre looking and we arrived here in a limo. I had to ask directions to find my way back here and it was mostly through pointing. Capitol accents," Arya gives an exaggerated shudder.
"It's not that bad," Cress lies and grins cutely when Sansa tries not to giggle.
"It's bad. It took time to get used to the way you talk the time you came to district 7," Sansa recalls. Cressida huffs, Sansa looked perfectly happy with her accent when she was seducing her. It was a fun game in college to use accents in dead foreign language class. "Maybe so," she glares playfully. "I'll lead the way. And we're going have to talk about that interview, Arya."
"Ugh, spare me," Arya said distastefully.
"I'll coach you on what to say when we get back to my place," Cressida says.
They get a cab to get to Lannister tower. On the way Cressida thought how displeased Tywin Lannister must be to have gotten the Stark daughters instead of Catelyn Stark. The wedding feels like a major rouse to crowd all the prominent figures and family of Panem to one place. Plutarch must be getting antsy over this.
"Ten smores says that Cersei is drunk with Robert right now," Arya grins. Oh, the smores they make in district 7. It was the first time Cressida hadn't eaten them from a box and it was magnificent.
"With Robert?" Cressida considers the bet.
"Uh, let me edit that. I meant as drunk as Robert right now."
"She's slim. I don't think she can take copious amount like Robert," Sansa argues.
"Don't underestimate Cersei like that," Cressida shakes her head. "The woman can keep pace with anyone."
"Hey, Cress, did you hear? Tywin is using the same wedding plans Snow had for Katniss and Peeta for Cersei's wedding."
Cressida almost guffaws at the comical content she has. What a shitty month it must be for Cersei, Cressida was all for it.
"No, I did not. It seems I keep getting invited to film extravagant weddings," Cressida remarks as she opens the door and holds it for Sansa. Arya had gotten the other front seat.
"They changed the outfit designs though. Would you like to see it?" Sansa asks.
"Yes," Cressida answers and shuts the door as Arya runs ahead.
"Did I tell you how much I like your new haircut and the vines?" Sansa looks like she wanted to trace it.
"Go ahead. It's nothing you haven't touched before," Cressida says and Sansa's face goes scarlet. In Cressida's defense she hadn't meant it like that. She was referring to the time she let Sansa braid her hair.
Sansa lightly brushes Cressida's scalp and then begins to slowly trace down. Cressida couldn't help but bite her bottom lip when Sansa's fingers go down her neck. "The vines reach your hand so..."
"Mmmm," Cressida reveals more of her shoulder. "It was worth the hours to do."
"I like it," Sansa repeats.
"I'm glad. I did do it to impress," Cressida winks and Sansa shakes her head before heading inside. "Stop talking Cress," she scolds herself. That night was a one-time thing and a spark of self-discovery for Sansa. "Of course, I almost died multiple times since then and that does change a person. I appreciate beauty and life much more than before," she tells herself and follows after Sansa.
Arya is being detained by security. Cersei's guard who Cressida had dubbed the zombie man was towering over Arya who wasn't backing down. Zombie man was even bigger than Brienne and that was saying something, he had cuts all over his body and only communicated in unintelligible sounds most of the time. Zombie man went from angry to furious when Sansa dared to stalk up next her sister, the veins in his neck bulged black.
"It's not a weapon," Arya hissed. "It's a carving tool. Lumber district ya know."
"It's no bigger than a needle," Sansa assured him.
"Hand it over," he growls.
Arya's face is set to a firm no and she looks ready to punch zombie man in the nuts when Sansa grasps her sisters arm. "Don't be a fool. You can get it back when we leave." Arya huffs and lets the female guard pat her down to remove all the other knives she hid. Cressida was bemused on how Arya hid all of them.
Cressida passed through the metal detectors without problem and accompanied them up the elevator. When the doors closed Sansa glared at her sister and pressed the button for the ninth floor.
"You have to stop provoking them."
"This wasn't the first time," Cressida asks.
"Meh. Last time he lied and told me the elevators were broken. All of them," Arya rolls her eyes. "I just walked up the second floor and used those. I met Tywin Lannister there. Most awkward elevator ride ever," Arya grimaces.
"He's not that bad," Cressida defends him but the Arya and Sansa don't buy it. "He's not the best at social pleasantries but he is intelligent and useful. He worked with Plutarch to bring down Snow."
"Good thing he never dined with Snow," Arya clutches her throat and makes a gagging noise. "It's pretty rude to poison your guests."
Sansa flicks Arya's forehead. "Behave...and yes, make sure Tywin eats before you."
The girls laugh as the elevator doors for the fifth floor open and Tywin Lannister accompanied with an old woman and another man on the other side. The laughter is abruptly cut off as Tywin glares at them. Tywin's company looks familiar, perhaps Plutarch had mentioned them before.
"Going up?" Arya asks.
"Yes," the old woman looks at Cressida and they all move back to make space. Tywin presses the button for the fourteenth floor and the doors shut.
"What are you doing here Cressida? Shouldn't you be resolving things with your mother?" Tywins drawls.
"Your wedding manager required my assistance and we ended up staying behind to clean up after. The tourists were a little lost," she summarizes. "I'll be handling my mother tomorrow," she's proud that her voice doesn't come out shaky even when she feel's Sansa's questioning gaze. She prays he doesn't ask why she's riding on the elevator ride with the girls. He makes her feel like she's under a microscope.
Cressida doesn't squirm as she feel's multiple eyes on her. It's a silent for a moment until the old woman asks, "how is the young rebel leader?"
"My brother is well. Busy organizing the district," Sansa gives a polite smile.
"Yes, we're all trying to organize ourselves and yet here we are," the woman scoffs and Cressida realizes she's intentionally pressing Tywin's buttons. Admirable and if the tick of his jaw was any hint it was working.
"This wedding is to bring us all together. We'll discuss the unstable districts at a later time," he tells her.
"We don't want any third party listening," the old crone chuckles and Arya's pretends she's tying her shoes.
The elevator doors open for their floor and as they pass them Tywin Lannister speaks. "My lady, the wedding is in a month. Do convince your brother to come," the elevator doors close before Sansa can reply.
Sansa shakes her head in disbelief and Arya pats her shoulder. "Every time Tywin tries to intimidate me I imagine him in past ridiculous costumes from districts. Picture him in district 2 pink tutu."
"That would be the trick," Cressida snorts.
"We were given separate rooms. I'll be right back," Arya runs across the hall.
"I guess that leaves you with me," Sansa seems timid now that they're by themselves.
"You like it that way. Don't deny it," and Sansa is smiling again. Cressida offers her arm and Sansa takes it.
"I do. This way."
"They gave you a whole floor? And they say the Capitol residents aren't charitable," Cressida smirks and Sansa almost rolls her eyes.
"Tywin invited the whole family. Imagine his displeasure when we came instead. Robb is busy, mother is indisposed and doesn't want to separate from her youngest. Jon is socially awkward," Sansa sighs.
"Jon?" The bastard?
"He's a Stark," Sansa states in a defensive stance and leaves no room for argument.
"Indeed. He has that noble streak doesn't he," Cressida say's in an attempt to relax Sansa.
"Ugh. Stupid noble streak," Sansa's shoulders droop.
"What's this about your brother being a rebel leader?" She asks.
"Robb was trying to keep the rumors down but then the district was rallying and giving him support. Our family have been leaders since the dark days. He's taken dad's role now. Mayor."
"So young? He's younger than I am, isn't he?" Cressida isn't sure.
"He said if a young girl can spark a revolution than he can lead and guide his district."
"War does make us grow up faster," Cressida says as Sansa swipes her card to unlock the door. "I think she would want me to stress out that she accidentally sparked a war. And most of the credit should go to Plutarch and Paylor."
"Really? That does seem Katniss like," Sansa shrugs. "What was that about your mother? Am I going to be meeting her?" They step inside and glaringly bright lights turn on. Cressida thinks about her response.
"These walls have ears. Let's talk some other time, yes?" It's not a request and her smile must be telling because Sansa nods her head and goes to make her bags.
Sansa's room is worthy of a tribute's because it shows all the Lannister's wealth. The walls are painted gold of course and the king-sized bed is also colored themed gold. It looked like the lights hurt Sansa's eyes because she was squinting and blinking rapidly and Cressida squeezes her arm sympathetically. She dearly missed the Capitol's love of over the top colors, style, and theme back in bleak district 13.
"I bet you have a hot tub the size of a pool," Cressida say's as she looks around.
"A what?"
"Oh, you poor summer child," Cressida shakes her head. "You should have taken advantage of the Lannister's kind extravagant lifestyle."
"You'll be better company," Sansa says and Cressida's heart warms. "Come here."
She goes to the bedroom and Sansa is unzipping the bag that holds her dress. "They had to do some alterations, more lion than girl on fire but it came out good. Although I'm afraid gold isn't my color."
"I'm sure you'll look beautiful, as always," Cressida flirts and Sansa distracts herself by revealing the dress.
The dress is beautiful with a deep V-neck and exposed back, imagining Sansa in that dress is making Cressida's mouth water and desire coil inside her.
A long time ago Renly had drunkenly shared the story on how he seduced the best man and had soiled Stannis's bed on his wedding day. Cressida had thought that was going too far even for Renly but picturing Sansa hot, flustered, and mewing was making her think she was too hasty to judge Renly. Sneaking out to have sex with a bridesmaid was now in Cressida's fantasy list.
"Wow," Cressida breathes out and licks her dry lips.
"Mother would have a heart attack if she saw us in this," Sansa laments.
"Anybody would," she might be having one right now and she takes the water bottle from a desk.
"Stop the eye ogling. I just ate," Arya huffs from behind her and Cress jerks away to Sansa. Her heart in her throat.
"Arya you're going to kill someone with your unexpected appearance," Cress rubs her chest.
"I was voted most likely to win the Hunger Games in school," she shrugs nonchalantly and Cress has to look to Sansa for confirmation. "Have you killed anyone? Or is it classified info?" Sansa glares at her sister's lack of tact.
"I'm sorry she was raised by wolves," Sansa says and Arya playfully bites the air.
"Nothing human," is Cressida's answer and she can read the curiosity on their faces. "Ready?"
"Let's blow this joint!"
When they almost go past the door a lanky, blond man wearing a white uniform surprises them by blocking the exit and Cressida instinct is to push Sansa back and hit the man, squarely in the jaw. She blinks the hazy flashback of running for her life, of Peeta's snarling face. Arya reacts for her and slams her backpack to the man's face and he falls to the ground.
"Cress," Sansa whispers her name to her ear and Cressida realizes she had been gripping Sansa's wrist too hard. "Arya. It's Lancel. Jamie's cousin," she clarifies and Cress and Arya squint at the mans bruised face.
"Oh, whoops," Arya shrugs and adjust the bag back to her shoulder.
"Are you alright sir?" Sansa asks and Cressida offers him a hand.
"Sorry for knocking you down to your ass," was Arya's genuine apology and Lancel ignores Cressida's hand.
"Watch it girl," he snarls but his face is red from embarrassment.
"I'm not the creep waiting by the doorway," Arya shoots back.
"Security said you three were showing suspicious behavior," he glares back.
"I'm sure that's what all the other districts say about the Capitol," Arya snips and Sansa tries to pull her sister back but she doesn't budge.
"We were just about to go. No problem," Cressida gets his attention.
"Where?"
"Sleepover. It's a girl thing," Cressida answers.
"With all your belongings?" He crosses his arms.
"Frankly, I'll feel safer with my stuff with me than your terrible security team," Arya looks like she's about to hit him again.
Sansa clears her throat. "We'll be staying with Cressida for a short time. Unless we're not permitted to leave," she dares to say and Cressida bites the inside of her cheek so she doesn't smirk.
Lancel ticks before shaking his head. "Of course. Know that we can't promise your safety and aren't to blame if anything happens to you."
"I'll keep that in mind," Cressida takes Sansa's bag and pushes past him. She's had enough with the Lannister attitude.
"Bitch bye," she hears Arya grumble and this time the smirk leaps to her face. The Lannister's can take full offence and choke on it. The elevator door opens the second she presses the down button and she's grateful for it because it would have absorbed her fume if it had taken a minute.
"You're a lot less polite than I remember," Sansa remarks from behind her.
"Well almost dying makes you more impulsive or more hesitant. Fight or flight instinct gets turned up," she says as they go down.
"Ah, Jon and Bran are unique," Arya says and Cressida has no idea what she's really saying.
"Don't worry about it," Sansa shakes her head to Cressida.
When the doors open again the zombie glares at them, his imposing height casting a large shadow.
"My needle please and thank you," Arya extends her open hand. If looks could kill the zombie guard would be twice dead from the piercing glares Arya and Sansa are sporting. Grudgingly he hands it over. Arya gives him one last dark look before marching away. "I'm going to miss their showers."
"I'm sure they won't miss you and paying for the outrageous water bill," Sansa laughs and Cressida can't help but think about how much she adores the sound of it.