Maalik (![]() ![]() @ 2014-01-12 15:11:00 |
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Passing the mountains meant she would come across the Capitol soon. Fawn’s stomach twisted into knots as they turned the familiar curve, her eyes shutting briefly. How many more times would she make this trip? How many more Hunger Games until it stopped? How many years until her time would be up like Pippa? She exhaled softly, her eyes opening to drink in the tall, tall buildings and the ocean water. A feeling of suffocation engulfed her, so she shifted in her seat, her back to the window, her eyes on her fingers, folded on her lap. Her nails were chewed up; she imagined the stylists would be upset about that, but a part of her wondered if they enjoyed it. Enjoyed dolling up an ugly, broken Fawn with make-up and hair and nails and lighting and clothes. The train came to a slow, then a stop. What fashion spread would it be this year? What animal print would be in style? There were only so many ways to style a deer, what spin they would take on her this time? When the train door opened, Fawn stepped out, only to immediately halt on the station platform. An easy smile appeared on her lips and she felt overcome with -- something. Relief? Happiness? Maalik. His eyes were following the arriving train, it meant that his time was up here for now and soon he would be stepping in the familiar ocean sands of District Four. Following new paths during his numerous walks, always ready to discover something else. Simply contentment. Stepping down from the train, however, was one of the people who could hold him in his tracks. Cause him to be tardy and not care of the consequences. “Fawn.” A usual hand rose to wave as he approached, “What are you doing here?” Fawn offered a shrug as she walked toward him. “Duty calls, I suppose,” she said, the bitterness from only seconds ago, gone. There weren’t many faces that made her light up, feel warmer. Maalik felt like the sun. And.. now he was leaving. “Going home?” “Yeah, my hours are up.” Regret tinged the edges of his tone, “You will look great.” Because he wanted to offer encouragement before he left, trying to impart whatever comfort he could. Being in the Capitol alone was daunting - overwhelming at times. Try not to be bitter Her shoulder was so small beneath his large fingers, he was afraid that a strong squeeze would bruise or break it; he chose to let his hand rest there lightly. Loneliness was a frightening emotion, worse than sadness or fear. And while Fawn had dealt with it for the past many years, it all came rushing back to her now. Rushing back because she allowed herself a momentary happiness. She didn’t expect a friendly face to be outside the train, a genuine smile to greet her. The warmth in her eyes cooled, her body language subtly shifted as he put a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you.” Maalik watched the change in posture, the darkening of her eyes - but he still smiled warmly, placing a second hand on her shoulder. Words were not always easy to him, he wanted to tell her to not let it drown her. Don’t let them win. “I’ll call.” Promise. We should coordinate.” A playful wink and he dropped his hands, straightening up. “Why are we Victors if we can’t convince people to do things in our own time?” Of course it depended on their Escorts too, but Maalik believed in Ianto. A small smile returned, and instead of pushing the feeling aside, Fawn took a step closer, her arms wrapping around Maalik to give him a hug. For a fleeting second, she felt like crying it all out. The feeling of despair of two less children in her District, perhaps due to her inadequacies. The detachment to her parents, her friends. The silence she shared with Feist and Bolt. It was so easy to keep balled up, year after year, but she realized how much she didn’t want to. How exhausting it was. And before her thoughts could continue down that trail, she pulled away, her eyes downcast. Glassy eyes flickered up before dropping again, an embarrassed laugh and a smile. “Yes. Coordinate.” She blinked at the floor several times, hoping any traces of tears, or hope, would go away. It wasn’t welcomed, at the moment. “Safe travels.” It was surprising but not unwelcome, Maalik returned the hug - conscious, always, of not holding too tight. Affection like this from Fawn was rare, so he indulged as much as he was allowed too before she pulled away. “Safe stay.” And he dared to drop a kiss on the crown of her head, nothing to make a scandal about. Just two Victors exchanging pleasantries when they crossed paths. Someone was waving at Maalik urging him to hurry up. Maalik pointedly ignored it, lingering. If anyone was going to see her in a moment of weakness, Fawn was glad it was Maalik. She allowed another laugh. Both of them noticed the waving man, and both of them ignored him. Already feeling flushed from the emotions and physical contact (she clearly did not get out much), she offered him one last smile. She put her hand up, her pinky extended with the rest of her fingers balled up. Promise? The gestured stunned him for a moment, but then Maalik laughed - pleased beyond belief with this. He reached out, twining their fingers together to seal their promise. |