a/n: someone asked how long this book would be but I lost the question so I'll answer here: this book is going to be four main parts and then one short epilogue chapter (taking place in the Katniss era). Part three will probably be around 25 chapters but part 4 will only be 10. So about 26 chapters left in total :)
*****
Sejanus was apologizing, and it was making Coriolanus sick.
The Plinth boy messed up, and he knew he had. That guilty expression of his, the one he used to carry in the Capitol everytime Liville and him had gotten into an argument, was clear on Sejanus's face as they walked home from The Hob that night.
He did not get away from his 'friends' after one song. By the time he came back, the music was all over.
So anxious over what the consequences of his own mistake would be, Sejanus couldn't even bring himself to speak to Liville when they left. Not that Liville seemed in a talking mood either way. She was stiff, and quiet, and obviously upset.
Coriolanus knew deep down that kissing her in that supply room was racking her with some unnecessary guilt, and that it was weighing on her heavily. It was one of the reasons she was so shut off now, not that Sejanus knew that. Coriolanus was glad, and found it almost bittersweet, that Sejanus figured her entire mood change was completely his fault.
Coriolanus planned it all out in his head what to do with the rest of the night: get back to the house, head to bed, once Sejanus was asleep he'd sneak out of the room to go find Liville. He knew deep down that Liville was not going to let him into her bedroom. She'd find it too 'scandalous', that modest mind of hers would see it as horrid. But he thought around that. He'd have her sit out on the couch with him again, or even on the back porch. Anywhere where they could stay up longer together. Talking, or even just sitting. Coriolanus loved to sit beside her.
But his plans were ruined the moment they got home, because Sejanus just had to get in the way again.
As soon as they stepped inside, before Liville could get to her room, Sejanus asked, "Liville, could I speak with you for a moment?"
Both her and Coriolanus stopped. Her face paled, and Coriolanus could tell she thought she'd been 'caught'.
If they were alone, Coriolanus would assure her that Sejanus was too oblivious to catch anyone doing anything, and that she shouldn't worry.
Coriolanus hadn't moved, causing Sejanus to send an embarrassed look at his friend as he said, "Not you, Coriolanus. Just Liville."
She cautiously stepped into the living room with him.
She sat on the couch.
Coriolanus felt a flush of anger as he realized they would be out here. Not him and Liville. Sejanus and Liville.
They would be out here, and Sejanus would be able to speak to her, lean on her, keep her out here for as long as he wanted. He got to control her time, he got to control the rest of her night, and Coriolanus could do nothing about it.
Sejanus sent another look at Coriolanus. "Just Liville," he repeated.
Coriolanus looked between the two, before finally entering his bedroom and closing the door behind him. But he stayed right next to the door, listening for whatever excuse Sejanus was about to throw at her.
"What is it, Sejanus?" Liville asked, as if she had no idea.
His voice was slow, "...Are you okay?"
Coriolanus rolled his eyes.
Through the door, he heard Liville force out a, "Yes, of course I am."
"I'm so sorry," Sejanus told her quietly. "I tried to have the night just for you. I really did. I'm so sorry I took off like that. It was urgent, it really was."
