Love comes in all shades | Coriolanus Snow x OC |

2. Back at the Academy

"Corio, wake up," he was woken by Tigris' voice. He didn't want to open his eyes. He stayed awake for too long last night again. "You slept with your book," as if she could read in his mind, Tigris confirmed his suspicion and shook his body - gently enough to not harm him, but strong enough to force him to open his eyes. "Come on, you'll be late."

"Alright, alright. I'm getting up, see?" He mumbled as he got up. He still had his shirt from last night on and he wanted to scold himself for that, especially since he saw reproach in his cousin's eyes. He truly hated that as he knew that it would cool their relationship. It wouldn't damage it permanently, of course, but even a couple of days seemed wrong as this situation could be easily avoided if only he stuck to his routine - coming home, changing clothes for a night, then reading and finally sleeping. But no. He had to read another chapter of the textbook, so he'd be prepared for future classes way ahead of his classmates. It was necessary if he wanted to ensure his position as the most promising and attentive student in his year. Maybe even in the whole Academy. Such a shame that it put a stain on his relationship with Tigris.

He didn't care as much for clothes as her, but he cared about it nonetheless as it was often a proven method to win over the upper crust. They were vain, they were shallow. Maybe clothes weren't the sole key to success in life, but it was a great starting point. If he didn't look clean and well-groomed he'd most likely have to say goodbye to prominent opportunities in life that often came in the guise of new acquaintances.

In that sense he could understand Tigris' disappointment, but for her it was something bigger. Clothes and care methods that kept them in good condition meant something different for her. It was almost as if she was attached to them - the fabric, the strands and seam, even the buttons. She was very fashion-oriented and since they couldn't afford buying new clothing every other season, she took taking care of those they already possessed very seriously. Almost with awe. He didn't mind her little obsession, as he was guilty of some innocent quirks as well, but on days like this he felt like she took it a little too far. At least for his liking.

"I'm sorry," he said, almost automatically at this point. Sometimes it felt like he learned how to apologize to certain people and then hardwired it in his memory, so he'd always respond the way people wanted him to. It was dull and tiring at times, but he had never complained as it always gave him results that he wanted. "I'll iron it myself," he continued as he took from her hands a little worn, but clean shirt with a pair of pants that he only wore to the Academy. "Once I'll get the Plinth award we won't have to worry about clothes anymore," he promised, buttoning up his clean shirt. Tigris watched him with her arms crossed over her chest. She seemed worried. "What?" He asked, his shirt and pants already on. He tried to approach her with a light-hearted smile, but it didn't seem to lighten her mood.

"What if you won't get it?" She asked quietly, causing his mood to change drastically. He pressed his lips into a thin line, feeling hurt by her question. How can she not believe in me? He asked himself and couldn't find the answer for that. Did she act stupid or irresponsible at times? Aside from the screw-up with clothes this morning the answer was no.

"Do you think that there are better candidates for that?" He asked, but he looked away, focusing on his shoulder bag instead. He was packing his textbooks and other accessories necessary for the diligent student.

"Of course not," she quickly said, rushing to his side and grabbing him by his shoulder in what appeared to be an attempt to make up. "I just...we didn't have much luck lately and...," she didn't know how to put it into words. Between them two, he was much better at making speeches. She was more practical than that and couldn't always meet his standards in terms of great debates and conversations. She believed that her intentions were clear and he should focus on them rather than the exact words that she used to make her point. Alas, Coriolanus was built quite differently from her. That often caused problems in their relationship, but that didn't stop them from caring about one another. It would be hard to be indifferent about the good of someone they shared the roof with. Together they were stronger than if they were alone, Coriolanus knew that and hence was ready to give up a fight at times if it meant maintaining a good relationship with his cousin. Cousin that had his back no matter what, even during the war.