Blood-Lust (A Clato Fan-Fic)

Chapter 7: Suspicion

CLOVES POV

I scurried around my room making a mess to find my blue dress. It's practically a formal event that my fathers here today. After changing out if my training uniform and taking a quick shower I throw my dress, run a brush through my hair, and struggle to force my shoes on. I had already kept my father waiting for a while now I didn't want to spend a second longer than necessary making myself presentable. My mother warned me to be home early but with all the commotion of Landon and Cato it slipped my mind.

I was checking myself in the mirror for any imperfections when I noticed Canyon sitting on my bed looking at me through the mirror.

"You look nice." He said

"Thank you." I could feel the tension between us as much as I felt it downstairs with him and Cato. Canyon always has been really protective of me but it felt like a but more of a personal issue to me.

"Why did Cato walk you home?"

"He wanted to talk to me.. About us becoming training partners."

"Bullshit!? I thought he was lying!"

"No he was telling the truth. Landon and him want me as a training partner."

"Landon? Landon Powers?"

"Yes." I had to pretend I didn't feel a but offended "Does that surprise you?"

"Of course not. I always knew you would go far.. I just never knew you would make it further than me."

His reflection in the mirror looked cold and bitter envious even. I've been better than him for quite some time so it's odd that he would address it now.

"Oh Canyon! Is Mommys little boy angry?" I asked

"No. Is Daddy's little girl trying to make me angry?"

"Ha! No calm down Can-can your face will get all red."

"Don't call me that!" He stood up from his place at my bed and took a step towards me. In the same instant I turned and took a fighting stance. Just a natural reaction. I knew we had no time for this though.

"Why are you in my room?" A question that should have been adressed before.

He retook his original seat on my bed. It was a moment before he answered, I stood there staring at him.

"Clove. I just want you to be careful."

"With what?" I asked

"Cato.. And Landon. This is a really big decision.. It's a matter of life and death. I just want to make sure you make the right choice.. I want to help you."

Something there struck a chord. Of course we were family but even since childhood we were very competitive.

"Why would you want to help me?" I asked

"I know what you're thinking Clove but.. It's over for me. I failed. I had my chance and I blew it. I didn't even make it to the games. But that doesn't mean that you can't. Im going to do everything I can to make sure that you bring honor to our name."

I wasn't sure what to say. It made sense I guess, but there was something still off.

"How are you going to do that?" I asked

"Don't worry! I know exactly what I'm doing Im a boy I know how they think. Just trust me. I'm going to help you be a victor that no one will forget. My lucky little Clover."

I grimaced. My fathers old nickname for me.

"Come on you can think about it more over dinner I think dads getting anxious. But just think it over you'll see."

I made no effort to hide the confused look on my face as I followed him down stairs. As I entered the kitchen I saw my father. He hasn't changed since I last saw him; still tall with a charming youthful fair face and black-brown hair. I made my way to him and shook his hand and kiss his cheek. Being his favorite child it didn't surprise me when he drew me in for a hug.

"My lucky Clover! Your mother and Canyon have been telling me about how well you're doing in school and training."

One look at Canyons face makes me believe he said no such thing. He had a disgusted look on his face as he took a big gulp of his drink. It was always this way when my dad visited since my brother failed us. Father always has a way of showing his disapproval of Canyons existence by sneaking in a "My Clover was born lucky. Canyon you were lucky to be born."

"Yeah I'm doing.. Good I suppose." I said

"Well good good sit down. Eat. We have a lot of catching up to do." He commanded us.

I looked at mothers face. As strained as it was it was still beautiful.. Full of a fools hope.

"Cesar has Canyon told you? He's engaged!"

My father gave no clue to show that he'd heard.

"Daddy. I was put into an advanced class at school." I said in an effort to break the awkward silence.. And also because I just couldn't resist rubbing it in Canyons face.

"That's great Clover! You know I always said my little Clover was born lucky!" He said

"He's engaged to Spark. You know the one who lives around the corner. THIS is the perfect match." My mother said with too much enthusiasm, hoping to get my father to warm up to Canyon. "Oh Cesar she's tall! 5'11! Just imagine the victors she could mother!-"

"-And you Canyon. You were just lucky to be born" said my father.