I stood motionless, unsure of how to react. I'd never expected this from Sejanus. We were friends, sure, best friends even. He was comforting, he was gentle, he was security. I kissed him back, softly. It was sweet, loving. But in the back of my mind I couldn't help but think of Coriolanus. I was wicked for thinking of him at a time like this, but I couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to kiss him. If it would feel more electric, more passionate. Coriolanus made no sense, one day we're nothing more than acquaintances, soon after I'm "his Rose" and moments later he's seemingly infatuated with his tribute more than anything. I wanted my brain to shut up, I wanted to feel and not think. So, I did the only thing I could think of, and I pulled Sejanus in harder, going for the gusto with the kiss. I wound my fingers in his dark curls as his hands respectfully found their way to the small of my back. My heart began to beat faster, I felt myself growing breathless.
I broke away hesitantly, as Sejanus stroked my cheek with his thumb. "Please come stay with me tonight, Rosie," he whispered. "I can't stand to be without you after a day like this." He clutched my hands in his own, looking into my eyes earnestly.
Aunt Ruby came up beside us, having overheard what Sejanus had said. "You know, I think that would be a wise choice, Ambrosia." I stared at her as if she'd suddenly sprouted 3 mutant heads. Was my Aunt, my legal guardian, and the only family I had, really suggesting I go and spend the night with a boy? "You would be safer with the Plinths than at home, dear. I can't help but worry that the rebels may be upset at having missed so many of their marks. Perhaps they will attempt to finish the job."
I turned it over in my mind for a few seconds, "But what about you? I don't want to leave you alone."
"Well, I of course wouldn't leave you in your current state alone, but if you will have young Mr. Plinth to care for you, I would very much like to go spend the evening with Mrs. Crane. She's quite beside herself over Arachne...." Arachne. In all the chaos and violence that had been going on, I'd completely forgotten about Arachne's gruesome demise. Of course her family would be hysterical with grief, and livid that the games were continuing so casually after her death. I knew Aunt Ruby had gone to school with Arachne's mother when they were girls, so it made sense she would want to be there for her. How stupid of me to forget.
"Of course, Aunt Ruby. If that's what you think is best " I smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said as she kissed my forehead lightly. She went on her way, and Sejanus took my arm in his, leading me out to the car that was waiting for us to drive us to the Plinth estate. He opened the door for me, and kissed me again briefly before I slid into the warm leather seat. Little did we know that a certain blonde boy was watching us jealously from the window.
*******************************
Anxiety grabbed my chest with a fearsome strength as we approached the wrought iron gates of the Plinth estate. Yes, I was capitol and not district, but not all capitol was wealthy. Some of us were here by bloodline only, like myself and the Snows. I could feel in my bones I simply didn't belong in a place like this, and I couldn't help but feel awkward being here. Mrs. Plinth was a kind woman, and welcoming. Mr. Plinth was cordial, and never the least but unkind, though I knew he didn't approve of Sejanus spending so much time with me. He would prefer that his son keep the company of higher society folk, people with wealth, power, and ambition, like himself. People who shared his own ideals, and not the ideals of his wayward son. Nevertheless, I was here now, and no amount of worrying was going to solve anything.
As we pulled into the grand drive, Sejanus squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You don't need to be nervous, Rosie. You'll be staying in the guest house. You won't even have to see my family, I told them you were too ill to see them." This did relieve a bit of tension, but not completely. I doubted that Mr. Plinth would be too pleased at me being hosted there, whether he had to see me or not. One thing I knew for certain was that Mr. Plinth was not a good person to make one's enemy.
"Jay, are you sure about this? I'm sure your father doesn't approve- and I don't want to make any trouble."
Sejanus laughed, "Oh, is that what you're worried about?" I nodded slightly. "Don't fret over that dear Rosie. He's far too busy convening with Dr. Gaul and President Ravenstill over the games to have a clue what's going on in his own house, let alone care." I gave a small smile of relief as we lurched In front of the mansion that was the guest house.
As I walked inside, I was stunned to see every conceivable surface littered with vases full of soft pink tea roses. Their perfume radiated through the house, delighting my senses. There was also an abundance of food, clothing, boxes of fine jewelry, toiletries, and fresh linens. My jaw dropped unbecomingly.
"Sejanus Plinth, what is all this?" I asked, awestruck.
"It's all for you, my love," he whispered as though terrified of my response. "I had Desmond set everything up while I waited for you at the hospital. I know you hate accepting gifts but please don't be angry with me, Rosie. I nearly lost you and I had to show you how I feel about you as well as tell you."
I glided through the room in a daze, all of my reservations and pride melting like snow in the beating hot sun. I squeezed the fresh petals of the tea roses and took the fine jewels out of their boxes to admire them in the light.
"There are some things here for your aunt as well, I thought maybe she would accept them if you told her they were from my mother?" Sejanus added uncertainly.
I laughed, barely listening as I placed a ridiculous sapphire necklace around my neck. I must have been a sight, my bandaged head and tattered clothes had to look ridiculous surrounded by such elegance and finery. But he watched me in awe as if he were witnessing the most beautiful sunset.
I twirled over to him, landing in his arms and kissing him warmly. "It's all far too much Jay." I said softly. "But I'll accept it, at least for tonight."
"What, no arguing?" he said, stunned.
"Blame it on the concussion," I laughed, feeling delirious. I guess almost dying really changes a person.
We had a large meal prepared by the Plinth's private chef, bread and cheese and wine and roasted duck- I couldn't even remember the last time I'd had meat to eat. Afterwards I took a long shower, slathering myself in all the oils and lotions that were available to me, and sliding into clean, silky pink pajamas.
Sejanus looked up from his book as I reinterred the living space, admiring my fresh appearance. "Beautiful as always," he said sweetly as he come to kiss my hand. "Are you ready to sleep?"
"Yes, I think so," I said, yawning.
"Alright... I'll see you in the morning," he said hesitantly.
He went to the door to leave, but I grasped his sleeve as he turned.
"What is it, my love?" he asked worriedly. "Are you not comfortable here?"
I laughed at the endearing idiocy of the question, "I can't imagine a more comfortable place to be. Its just, I was hoping that- well I hoped you might stay?... If its too soon or too much to ask I understand. I just think I would sleep better knowing you were here with me." I added bashfully.
Sejanus broke into a huge grin, "As you wish, milady," he granted with a teasing bow.
I smacked his arm playfully as he shed his outer layers to get more comfortable. I blushed, and suddenly took an interest in studying my freshly oiled cuticles.
As we settled into bed, I snuggled into his chest and he wrapped me in his arms firmly. Everything was perfect, and yet, I wished that things could be different. I wished we were in our own house, bought with honestly earned money. I wished that the Hunger Games didn't exist, or at the very least that they weren't beginning so very soon. I wished that we weren't a part of the Games, that we could go back to being innocent students. I wished that Sejanus and I could have admitted our feelings under normal circumstances, that we could have courted properly and with plenty of time. Why did it feel like we wouldn't have time? There was no reason we shouldn't. But I had an unsettling feeling that somehow the Games would change us, destroy us from within, tear us apart from each other...
Sejanus noticed my blank expression as he played with my fingers. "What are you thinking about?" he wondered.
I looked up at him and smiled, "Nothing," I replied. "Just how lucky I am to even be alive right now, let alone that I get to be here with you."
"Yes, well, the odds are ever in our favor." he stated as though it were gospel.
"Goodnight, I love you, Jay."
"I love you, Rosie."