Chapter Text
Mine - Alara
Alara Vox had not intended to get as drunk as she has today - and she certainly hadn’t intended to end up on the roof of the training center with Ismene, but she’s here now. After a stint at the bar in the mentor’s lounge, her co-host had been very insistent that they go somewhere they couldn’t be heard by anyone else - in part because Alara was too distracted by watching the training floor to have a productive conversation. She’d agreed on the condition that Ismene detail everything she knew about her tributes and their burgeoning alliance. At least I’ve gotten some useful details out of her - perhaps I can still escape this without returning the favor. The two of them sit side-by-side, pressed up against the railing - passing their third - or perhaps it’s our fourth? I’ve lost track… - bottle of wine of the day back and forth. Alara attempts to stand up, slurring out “Ismene, darling, it’s been enlightening but it’s getting late, and I really must be g-”
Ismene grabs her wrist and she loses her balance, sliding back down next to her - “Not yet - you still haven’t told me about your little spat with Selica. A promise is a promise, Alara. We agreed to a quid pro quo.” Alara scowls at her - she gives her a smug grin in return. “Oh don’t be like that, I gave you a rather large leg up on my tributes - the least you can do is let me in on some petty gossip.”
“Your little rebels would be dead whether or not I got those details, you know that as well as I do.” Ismene shrugs at her.
“Of course I do, I was there when Weaver was digging her own grave up on that Reaping stage. I’ve no illusions about their chances. And frankly, whatever you have planned will likely be less cruel than leaving them to the gamemakers whims. I’m nothing if not charitable.” Alara rolls her eyes - still clinging to that sense of moral superiority, I see - She takes a swig off the bottle and hands it back to Ismene. “But I still want to know what happened today, you owe me that.”
Alara sighs - she’ll wrestle me to the ground before she lets me go without talking about this, won’t she? She’s not sure if the churning feeling in her gut is from the wine or the weakness - she ignores it. She holds out her hand with her pinky finger raised - “Not a word of this leaves this rooftop, swear on it.”
Ismene wraps her own finger around Alara’s - “Sworn and sealed.” She hands the wine back - “Now, don’t keep me waiting - I want to go to sleep at a reasonable hour this evening.” I’m too drunk to be having these sorts of conversations, but I suppose the cat’s already out of the bag.
She takes a deep breath - and spills everything. The first kiss, the sleeping arrangements, the betrayal she’d felt at her girl’s flirtations, how Voltaea had disregarded everything she’d told her about training over breakfast, the scandalized reaction of Selica when she put it all together, her plan to reveal it all in an act of preemptive protection - it pours out as easily as the wine in her hand. Ismene is silent as she speaks - looking at her with something she thinks might be curiosity, or judgement - she can’t tell through the wine-haze. By the end of it, she can feel the tears running down her cheeks against her will - Weakness. This is the worst show of weakness I’ve ever put on. I look pathetic - she’ll never let me live this down .
Ismene interrupts her thought, handing her a handkerchief - “Let it out now, you’ll need to put on a stronger face when you confront her about this later.”
“Is this where you tell me I’m repulsive? Selica seems to think so.” Alara takes the offer, wiping her tears away and attempting to coax her face back into order.
“No.” Ismene gives her a small smile - “I think it’s sweet that you’re so attached. Tragic, perhaps, given the circumstances. But sweet nonetheless.” She places a hand gently on Alara’s shoulder – “But you can’t just let her disregard you like that, not if you want to teach her to survive like we did. And I for one would love to see how this all plays out if you manage to get her out of there alive.”
It’s not the reaction she’d expected to get - Alara isn’t quite sure how to proceed, or even if her words are genuine. Her face gives nothing away, and the alcohol has drowned her ability to think clearly - that much she’s certain of. She digs her nails into her thigh in an attempt to clear her head - “What do you suggest I do, then?”
Ismene rises to her feet, steading herself on the railing - “You have to take control of the situation.” She reaches out a hand to help Alara off the ground. “If she has a wandering eye, make sure it wanders back to you. You have to take charge, show her you’ll fight for her attention! Don’t just wait around for her to give it on her terms. You don’t win by waiting for victory to fall into your lap - you have to take it for yourself.” Alara grabs her hand and pulls herself up, still unsteady - the Capitol skyline seems to spin around her. “It’s a strategy that’s always worked well for me, anyway.”
“I…” Don’t give her any more ammo than you already have - “You know what, thank you - for once, you’re speaking sense.” She lets go of Ismene’s hand, catching her balance on the railing. “I’m…” She hiccups, cutting herself off - she swallows back the taste of wine and bile that rises into her throat - “I’m very good at fighting, you know.”
“Oh, I’m well aware. I’ve been on the receiving end more times than I can count.” Alara laughs as Ismene rolls her eyes and wraps an arm around her shoulder to walk her towards the exit - gods, do I really seem so incapable? “I’ll walk you to your suite, just don’t lean too much or we’ll both be in trouble, alright?” She nods - easier than arguing.
They walk together in silence for a while - navigating down the stairs from the roof to the elevator takes every ounce of focus Alara has. She has to rely on Ismene’s guidance more than she’d care to admit, but they make it to the elevator in one piece. She finally speaks when the doors open and they’re safely inside where no one can hear them - “You can be a good friend, sometimes... Just don’t ever tell anyone I said that.”
Ismene laughs at her as she pushes the button to carry them to Alara’s floor. “You know that you tell me that every time we have one of these drunken conversations, right?” Do I? That’s embarrassing.
Alara gives her best attempt at sternness, in spite of her slurring - “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” The elevator lurches to a stop and the doors slide open in front of them. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Don't be too late this time!” Alara waves behind her without sparing Ismene another glance - I do have to keep up appearances, of course.
Alara steps out, running her hand along the wall for stability as she enters the main room of the suite. Orville sits on the stool in front of the bar as his avox serves him a drink - he leaps up when he sees her come in. “Alara, I didn’t know when you’d be back - I ah… the girl went to your suite I believe, I’ve sent Coulomb to shower. Dinner should be served in an hour or so, if you want I can -”
“Don’t disturb me, Orville. We’ll be out when -” she hiccups again and gags slightly, pressing a hand to her chest in an effort to chase the feeling away - my stomach doesn’t agree with this wine, does it? “When I’m ready.” He stares at her with a mix of what looks like pity and disdain and she scowls at him - he quickly turns back to the bar.
Alara makes her way down the hall to her suite, trying to ignore the spinning of the walls around her. Don’t let her off the hook - she needs to learn to listen - she needs to learn to win. I need a win. I need HER to win. She steels herself at the door, coaching herself through what she has to do once more before opening it. Ismene’s words echo in her head - “ You have to take control of the situation” - Alright. Control. I can take control. Her private quarters are in perfect order - but there’s no sign of Voltaea in the room. She scowls as she looks around - where did you go, darling? - the bathroom door is closed - We’ll just have to talk when you’re finished, then.
She stumbles her way to the bathroom door and hears the shower running behind it, leaning up against the wall to listen. It’s not long before she grows too impatient to wait - Perhaps it's better to have this talk while you’re least expecting it. Alara swings the door open with more force than she’d intended and a loud crash echoes off the walls of the bathroom. She flinches, coaching herself through what she has to do - Stop panicking, we’re taking the firm approach this time. If anything it’s more theatrical this way. She slams the door back shut behind her and clears her throat, attempting to keep the slur of drunkenness out of her voice as she calls out - “Voltaea!”
Alara sees the outline of her girl sitting on the floor of the shower through the frosted glass, shifting when she hears her come in. She stalks to the door of the shower, sliding it open and propping herself against the wall to at least appear steadier than she feels. Her girl sits in front of her, eyes wide - a look of pained surprise crosses her face. She pulls her knees up to her chest in a pathetic attempt at modesty - I thought we were past all this? It’s nothing you haven’t shown me before. The pain in her eyes, though - that gives her pause. She looks terrified, hurt - But that’s good isn’t it? That means she’s learning something. That’s the whole point of this.
She narrows her eyes at Voltaea, frowning - it’s the only way she can stop herself from bursting into tears again - “I have - hic - several bones to pick with your performance out there today.” The taste of stale wine and stomach bile coats the back of her throat - she tries to keep herself composed in spite of it. Now you’ll have to listen to me.
Alara clears her throat again, trying to chase that awful taste away before she speaks - “First of all. I told you several times that you should stay away from that… that fucking moronic girl from Seven, did I not?” Voltaea nods, but stays silent - frozen, with that awful, pained grimace staring up at her - Don’t you dare make me second guess myself with that face.
“And what did you do? You teamed right up with her not ten minutes after I left you to your own devices! I saw you - all of it!” Her girl flinches, she looks like she’s about to cry - don’t hesitate. “And then you spent the whole godsdamned day flirting with her, what were you thinking?!” Voltaea’s expression shifts - more confused than anything - No, don’t fall for it. You know what you did, darling. “Not to mention showing her all of your tricks at the trapping station, along with half the competition who saw you there - it’s like you haven’t heard a single thing I s-”
Voltaea cuts her off - her voice cracking as she yells - “I swear I wasn’t trying to make you angry! And I wasn’t trying to flirt with her - she’s my friend, I just-”
Alara raises her voice to speak over her again - “ Don’t lie to me, you blush like a tomato every time that girl so much as glances in your direction.” Voltaea opens her mouth like she wants to say something but Alara keeps going, her hands are shaking - steady, keep the upper hand . “And don’t get me started on Cymbria - if you’re seriously considering an alliance with that psychopath-”
“I’m not!” Voltaea slams her fists into the wall behind her, she’s shaking nearly as much as Alara is now. She sniffles, fighting back tears of her own - “FUCK! I always screw everything up!” She slams the wall again and buries her face into her knees. Alara sees her girl digging her nails into her scar like she’s trying to pry it from her skin. Every part of her seems to ache in response - stop that, this is for her own good, remember? They both fall silent - the only sound left in the room comes from the water hitting the tile, and a few choked sobs from her girl. Alara’s legs feel like they want to give out from under her - Too much wine? - She puts more of her weight on the wall next to her to balance herself.
Voltaea’s next words are half-mumbled, almost too quiet to hear. It takes her a moment to process what she’s said - “I just wanted you to be proud of me… and I can explain everything. But I didn’t realize I was messing everything up… Please, I’m so-” she falls silent before she can finish her sentence. You remembered my rule… Alara’s heart races, her anger melts into something more… vulnerable? So you did think of me, then? Gods, have I overstepped? A single tear escapes her attempt to restrain them - No. Calm yourself. She hopes the steam is enough to cover her lapse in composure.
Alara had meant to shame her - to make her feel the weight of every public betrayal so she’d know how much she’d hurt her. But now Voltaea just looks so small and soaked and full of guilt - shaking on the floor, looking up at her, still begging for her approval. You wanted me to be proud. That’s all this was. She steels herself against the churning in her chest - Then perhaps we try a different approach for this lesson.
“Voltaea - stand up.” Her voice is as firm as she can make it. It takes a moment but her girl finally looks up at her, bleary-eyed and beet red. I still need to make sure you’re committed.
“I… I’m not dressed…” She gestures at herself and Alara frowns at her.
“Do you really want me to be proud of you, darling?” Voltaea nods - bringing her eyes back up to meet Alara’s gaze. She gives her a small smile - just a hint of softness, for her honesty of course - “Then don’t keep me waiting.”
Her girl lifts herself to her feet, slowly - she doesn’t break eye contact. She keeps her nails dug firmly into her scar - shaking with a tremor that matches Alara’s own - Like looking in a mirror . “Can I explain now?” Alara shakes her head - we’ll get to that later. “You know I wasn’t trying to make you mad, right? I really didn’t mean to make you think I was flirting with her, she’s my friend, and I -”
Alara interrupts her - You talk so much sometimes - “I believe that you didn’t intentionally set out to anger me, yes.” Though I do need some reassurances that your heart won’t wander again. Voltaea tries to say something but Alara holds up her hand to silence her - “Before you speak, I have something to ask. Do you want our arrangement to continue as it has been?”
She doesn’t hesitate for more than a second before answering. Perfect . “Yes - of course I do. I mean… That’s why I came in here…” Voltaea looks away to hide the embarrassment that’s creeped into her cheeks - you’ll have to be bolder than that, my sweet. “But I don’t even know what this is, and I don’t know what the rules are, or what I’m supposed to be doing, or what questions to ask, or -”
“ Shhhhhhhh.” It’s a soft sound - calm not anger, now. Voltaea falls silent - Perhaps it’s my turn to be bold, that’s what Ismene was saying, wasn’t it? Alara stands upright - still less steady than she’d like to be - and slips the straps of her dress off her shoulders. Her movements are clumsy, fumbling, it’s not quite the image she’d hope to portray - but it’ll have to do . She reaches around to undo the zipper in the back and lets the garment drop to the floor. Her girl whips back around to look at her - nowhere near the eyes this time - that got your attention, didn’t it? Good. Keep that on me from now on.
Alara steps into the shower and slides the door shut behind her. She slips under the stream of near-scalding water, hiding the brief flinch of shock on her face as best she can - it’s almost sobering, a breath of relief from her haze. The steam swirls around them both as she tilts her head back and relaxes slightly into the heat - steadier, but still trembling. “What are you doing?” Voltaea’s whispered words snap her back to the task at hand - she gives her a smirk in response, but no answer - that’s going to be entirely up to you, darling. Her girl still hasn’t looked up, she’s too busy mapping every inch of her body like she’s trying to memorize it for later - I hope you do, I want you to remember this.
Alara takes a tentative step forward - no reaction - then another - they’re inches apart. Voltaea tries to look away - she reaches upward and gingerly removes the tie holding her girl’s hair back, flicking it to the side before guiding her back into position. Her hand traces downward until she finds the pulse point on her neck - it thunders against her fingertips. She traces lower, down the length of that magnificent scar until she’s touching her hand. She pulls it toward her, positioning it on her exposed hip - when Alara releases her grip, it lingers there - she doesn’t pull back. She leans forward, standing on her toes until her face is inches from Voltaea’s ear, and whispers - “Tell me - what do you want me to do?”
She feels Voltaea shudder in response - her voice quivers when she speaks - “I… I don’t understand… I thought you were too angry…”. She lets her hand wander from Alara’s hip to her lower back and back again, tentative, exploring. The touch is electrifying - her own pulse quickens and she fights back the urge to close the gap between them on her own.
Alara pulls back - Voltaea’s gaze finally rises to meet hers, torn between confusion and longing. Push a bit more - “That’s not an answer, darling.” Her tone is teasing, she smiles as her girl flushes an even darker shade of red. “Give me a real one, hmm?” She strokes a lock of her hair behind her ear as she speaks.
Voltaea shuts her eyes, breathing a heavy sigh into the steam. “I don’t know how to say it…” Before Alara can rebut this, she feels the grip on her lower back sharpen - pulling her forward with a shocking amount of force until she’s pressed tightly against her girl. She braces a hand against the wall as another whisper cuts through the noise of the water. “I just want… I don’t -” Voltaea’s free hand reaches for the back of her neck, and pulls her upward into a kiss with so much fire behind it that it takes her breath away - oh, I think you know exactly what you want.
She wraps her arm around her girl’s waist, letting her clawed fingers dig slightly into the base of her tailbone and savoring the small gasp she gets in response. Alara pulls back, breaking the kiss before her girl can deepen it further. Voltaea’s breaths are ragged, heavy, almost pained - but her eyes? Pure hunger . The heat of her own desire swirls in her core, burning her from the inside out - but there’s still something I need to hear - “Before we continue, I need you to tell me something else.”
The tension hangs thick in the air between them - Voltaea moves her mouth without speaking, grasping for something - like she can’t find the words. Finally, she whispers, almost inaudibly - “Tell you what?”
Alara lets her nails trace lower, until she’s gripping the back of her girl’s taut thigh. Voltaea lets out a muffled noise of approval that makes her absolutely ache for more. They lock eyes - she smirks - tries not to betray how much she needs this in her tone - “Tell me that you’re mine.”
Voltaea drops her gaze to Alara’s lips - she hesitates - swallows. An eternity passes in seconds as she waits for a response - praying to some long-forgotten power that she hasn’t pushed too far . Then finally, she hears exactly the words she needed to; “I’m yours.”
“Good girl.”
Alara presses a searing kiss to her lips - then to the pulse hammering in her throat. She drinks in the whimper it pulls from her - soft, fragile, delicious. She steadies herself with a hand around Voltaea’s waist - “ Alara, I- ” Her girl’s voice fractures mid-protest as Alara kisses lower still.
She traces her tongue across her collarbone, just below the edge of the scar as her girl makes a weak noise of approval. A bit further, then - she trails gentle kisses along the water-slicked skin of her breast and feels a sharp tension rise under her grip - “Wait - I’m not re…” Too late, darling. You asked for this.
“Shhhhh.” She doesn't look up, just exhales the sound against her girl’s abdomen - slow and deliberate. No more talking. Just let yourself feel. The tension fades as quickly as it came - she bends at the knees to lower herself further still. Every muffled noise of confusion - of need - edges her forward with more vigor. She shifts her hands, letting the sharper one dig in for support as she pulls the softer one down to brush between her girl’s legs - testing, teasing . Voltaea gasps - a sharp, startled thing - as Alara’s fingers trace her center. You’re more than ready for me, aren’t you?
“Please…” It slips out like it hurts her to say. Alara looks up - her girl’s eyes are wild as they look kback, flashing between hunger and panic. Perfect. She smiles. Doesn’t speak - just lets her tongue finish tracing its way down. She flicks it, brushing lightly against her clit - a final test to see how much she needs this.
Voltaea makes a pitchy, pleading noise of surrender. Don’t you ever forget who makes you feel this way again. Her fingers tangle in Alara’s curls, yanking her in tight - desperate, possessive, starving for affection. She feels her girl’s pulse thunder against her lips and it tastes like victory - I win.