❝ It annoyed me that I could act like such a carefree child, and it made me want to lash out at the weeds, who knew nothing but to grow taller. I wanted to try to be a good girl.
coriolanus snow x fem!oc
academic rivals to lovers
I know that feeling. You have to do something. You have to change something radically, because you can't stay like you are for another second, or you're going to explode.
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The next morning, Tempest quietly roamed the hallways of the Academy, her thoughts consumed by the events of the past two days.
Just like Coriolanus, who had garnered both criticism and admiration for his actions at the zoo, Tempest also received approving nods and comforting pats on the shoulder for giving her tribute shoes. Even Lucky Flickerman, the Capitol news reporter, had announced it on television, depicting it as a kind-hearted gesture. Tempest couldn't resist basking in the praise.
With Reaper now garnering some Capitol attention, she needed to create a plan to propel his marketability. She needed him to get more popular than Lucy Gray.
As Tempest's mind was consumed by fleeting thoughts, she barely registered the presence of the boy walking beside her. Suddenly, he cleared his throat, and when she turned to look at him, she was met with a hostile gaze that made her feel as though she had committed a grave offense.
"Coriolanus," Tempest curtly greeted.
He is still looking at her, like she kicked his puppy, and Tempest almost convinced herself that he is looking for an apology. An apology! Why would she ever do such a thing?
"My tribute has shoes now," she says, and this might be the closest to a thank you that he will receive.
"I see," Coriolanus replies. He goes to open his mouth, but Tempest swiftly cuts him off—-
"If you are expecting me to say something of last night, you will be sorely disappointed. It was not appropriate for you to involve yourself in a matter that did not concern you. Fortunately, Reaper now trusts me, despite your actions—-"
He cuts her off now with the name "Sejanus". Then continues, "he mentioned something to me... or rather, he made me an offer."
Tempest paused for a moment. He had not wanted to talk about his failed attempt at a heroic act? She swallowed her words, choking out a —— "What offer?"
"To switch tributes with him," Coriolanus admitted, hushed underneath a breath of a whisper. "He offered Marcus to me."
"Whatever for?"
"It seems like he's not willing to mentor his old friend, and it doesn't help that Marcus isn't talking to him either."
Tempest's tone turned sharp as she questioned him, "I fail to see the relevance of this information. Why are you telling me this?" Her eyebrow raised in suspicion.
Coriolanus hesitates for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest as he gathers the courage to ask his rival, his Tempest, for guidance. The weight of his decision hangs heavily upon him, as he knows that the choices he makes in this critical moment could shape the course of his future.
With a soft exhale, he clears his throat, trying to dispel the nerves that threaten to overtake him. His uneasiness manifests in the shifting of his feet, an unconscious reflection of the internal turmoil he is experiencing. The apprehension in his eyes is unmistakable, a glimmer of doubt mingled with hope as he finally speaks.
"I only wanted to inquire... what would you do?" Coriolanus' voice is tentative yet resolute, blending vulnerability and strength in an unlikely harmony.
He knows that by seeking guidance from his rival, he leaves himself vulnerable to judgment, ridicule, or even betrayal. But deep down, he also realizes that Tempest is the only one who truly understands the intricacies of the situation and the gravity of the decisions that lie ahead.
As he stands before Tempest, Coriolanus can feel the weight of his past actions and the consequences they have borne. He recalls the animosity and rivalry that have defined their relationship, the battles fought both on the battlefield and within the political arena.
Yet, despite their differences, a flicker of understanding has always lingered beneath the surface of their tumultuous interactions.
The hours of darkness that Coriolanus spent grappling with his choices brought him to the realization that Tempest possesses a rare insight, a depth of understanding that surpasses the usual adversaries in his life. He knows that Tempest sees beyond the facade, understanding the complexities of his character and the motives that drive him.
Fear dances in the furthest corners of Coriolanus' mind, whispering doubts and urging caution. What if Tempest dismisses him? What if his vulnerability is met with mockery or indifference? But courage pushes back against the fear, reminding him that the greatest triumphs often require the greatest risks.
In this moment, Coriolanus knows that he must put his pride aside and acknowledge the value of seeking guidance from an unexpected source.
He crosses the divide that separates them, knowing that his fate hangs in the balance.
Whether it be camaraderie or betrayal that awaits him, he recognizes that the insight he seeks can only be found in the heart of his rival.
And so, as the seconds stretch out before him, she merely hums, saying, "stick with Lucy Gray."
Coriolanus lets out a baited breath he didn't even realize he was holding— "why?"
"You've already gotten her to trust you. She's in the spotlight. It would be foolish to push her aside. How would you explain that to someone, to the Capitol?"
"I guess you are right," he agrees.
She follows with, "I know I am," and a smile. She leans closer to him for a moment, as to divulge top secret information. "And imagine what Strabo Plinth would owe you if you agreed to keep it hush."
Coriolanus's eyes grew wide as he contemplated the idea of blackmailing the Plinth patriarch, a man known for his unwavering principles and undeniable influence in the city. The very thought of it sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Tempest, a formidable adversary and his long-standing rival, stood before him with mischievous amusement playing on her face. The way her eyes sparkled with intelligence and her confident smile danced at the corner of her lips almost left him in a state of admiration.
In that moment, Coriolanus couldn't help but question why he had never sought Tempest's perspective before. Her brilliance and power were undeniable, her mind sharp and calculated. As they sparred with words and wits, their rivalrous dance always ending in deadlock, he began to see a glimmer of a partnership that had the potential to reshape their world.
Yet, amidst the thrill and the fascination, Coriolanus reminded himself of the truth that fueled their rivalry. They were meant to be enemies, they had loathed each other since the dawn of time. The hatred that seethed within him was a constant reminder of the animosity they were expected to uphold. He had to continually suppress the awe that lingered within him, forcefully tugging at the fascination that threatened to disarm him.
He was on the verge of expressing gratitude to her. In the heat of the moment, he nearly let slip those two significant words (thank you), but fortunately, she had already averted her attention and was eagerly heading towards the classroom.
Coriolanus couldn't help but release a sigh, his gaze fixated on her, even though she had already disappeared into the lecture hall.
It's remarkable how being her rival motivated him to surpass his own limits, reaching new heights he never thought possible just to defeat her. She propelled him so much that he never stopped to contemplate the tremendous strength that could come from being her ally.
