Thirty-four faux flirt
~~~~~~~~Delyth was certain Coriolanus would be present; Blossom and Dubois, regulars at The Timbered Hearth, had spotted him the past two Fridays. The likelihood of him being there today was quite high.
Determined to get them out, to support Blossom and Dubois in starting a new life with their child, and to spend her life with Treech, Delyth felt an urgent need to speak to Coriolanus. She was ready to do anything to make him trust her and secure their escape.
She needed to tread carefully, aware that Coriolanus was not to be underestimated.
As she prepared herself, Treech sat on her bed, observing her routine. Delyth opted for minimal makeup—just a touch of blush and mascara. Treech appreciated this natural look, finding her true beauty shining through, and he had always found her beautiful.
"And you're sure you don't want to come?" Delyth asked.
Treech shook his head, "nah, you're supposed to be gaining his trust. ' doubt my presence will help" he told her, she laughed slightly at his words, "don't think he's my biggest fan."
He rose, gently turning her around, his hands resting on her waist. "What's your game plan if he crosses any lines?" Delyth felt a blush creeping up her face as she met his gaze.
"I'll handle it," she replied confidently, placing her hands on his chest. "I've dealt with worse."
Their lips met in a sweet kiss, interrupted only by Blossom's shout for Delyth from downstairs.
Coriolanus lingered at the bar, recalling that the first time he noticed Delyth was on a Friday. Each subsequent visit held the same hope of seeing her again, and today was no exception.
Despite his desire to harbor resentment, he couldn't. He recognized his true yearning – her. It had always been her. Witnessing her beauty and vitality only deepened his feelings.
He just thought she was stupid – why choose District 7 when the allure of the Capitol beckoned?
Upon entering, Delyth immediately spotted him. Dubois kindly offered to fetch drinks, giving her a moment on the dance floor with Blossom, knowing it was only a matter of time until he recognized her.
As the music pulsed through the crowded room, Delyth and Blossom swayed to the rhythm, trying to lose themselves in the music. Delyth couldn't shake the feeling of Coriolanus's eyes on her, the weight of his gaze pulling at her composure. Every graceful movement on the dance floor felt like a step closer to a confrontation she wasn't ready for.
Delyth's heart raced as she danced, her mind torn between the carefree atmosphere around her and the looming presence of Coriolanus. She stole glances towards the bar, catching his intense stare fixed upon her. The music became a distant hum as anxiety settled in.
Blossom noticed Delyth's unease, whispering, "Is everything okay?" in the brief pause between songs. Delyth forced a smile, "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind."
Blossom's eyes subtly directed Delyth's attention to Coriolanus at the bar. With a nod and a quiet encouragement, she whispered, "You got this." The low hum of the pub around them served as a backdrop to the moment, urging Delyth to approach him.
Taking a deep breath, Delyth mustered her courage, nodding in acknowledgment of Blossom's encouragement. She gracefully maneuvered through the crowd, making her way to the bar where Coriolanus stood. The noise of the pub faded as she approached, and she greeted him with a sweet smile.
"Hello, stranger," she joked, her voice steady despite the nervous energy within her. "I couldn't help but feel your gaze on me."
He chuckled at her words, his gaze tracing up and down her frame.
"You look nice," he complimented, his eyes lingering on her appearance.
Her response was crafted with finesse, "Really?" she feigned a shocked expression, "Well, I'm glad you think so. I've not been feeling my best," she added with a convincing tone. Coriolanus raised an intrigued eyebrow, seemingly buying into her words.
"And why's that?" He asked
"I'm not sure, really," she did her best to sound convincing, "I'm not enjoying myself here." She observed as Coriolanus's eyes widened, a small smile playing on her lips as she noted his belief in her words. "I miss home," she added with a feigned touch of sadness. He thought over her words before he finally replied.
"Delyth, I'll be heading to district 2 soon, I've been assigned there" Coriolanus said, his expression serious. "Not long after, I'll be heading back to the Capital. You should think of returning too, it's not safe here, life there could offer you more than District 7 ever will."
She nodded, feigning contemplation. As she approached him, standing on her tiptoes to reach him while he was seated, she felt his arm on her waist. Whispering in his ear, she continued the charade, "I've been thinking about it," she lied.
She observed his smirk in response to her words, a sense of pride washing over her. It was evident that he was buying into her deception.
Coriolanus began to entertain the idea that perhaps she was coming to her senses. The words she shared excited him, envisioning a future where she would be a compliant First Lady under his influence.
She turned to find Blossom gazing at her with a concerned look. Giving her a reassuring nod, Delyth redirected her attention to Coriolanus. With a sweet smile, she suggested, "I'm going to go back to dancing. Care to join?" She knew well that Coriolanus Snow was not one to partake in such activities.
He declined with a shake of his head, his eyes lingering on her. "I'll just watch you," he said. Delyth responded with a small wink before turning around. Catching Blossom's eye, she stuck out her tongue in disgust. Blossom laughed, well aware that Delyth disliked flirting with Snow, as her heart belonged to Treech.
The night drew to a close shortly after, and she strategically stayed until Coriolanus departed. When he approached, expressing his desire to see her again tomorrow, she promptly made her exit after telling him she will.
YOU ARE READING
La ballade d'une Ballerine : a Treech fanfiction
Fanfiction"Ironic ain't it? The one woman I can't get enough of, is the one I'll never be able to have" Delyth Bardott grapples with unexpected emotions for her tribute, straying from the expected norms of a Capitol girl drawn to a District boy. Meanwhile...