“ i respect that. ” ocean hues narrow, inner mind turning to put a name to face before dropping from rugged features to offered cigarettes instead, two manicured digits reaching out in acceptance. “ they're boring. ” words muffled around stick as it's placed between glossed brims, frame leaning forward expectantly for other to light. “ it's always the same conversations with the same men and their same inflated egos. ” optics snap to homme, trailing up and down twice. “ no offense. ”

if the floor would swallow him whole like the quicksand in a legend of zelda dungeon then he would be in its debt. words surrounded him, current context making them sound foreign despite definitions known; only a matter of time before monologue, broken slightly as others chimed in their opinion, ended in a question and predator eyes would lock onto deer. gaze darted around. a second after finding the hues that mirrored his own, he knew she'd heard him. a blink and she was there.  ❝ oh, right . . . the initiative. yes, we shouldn't delay on that. my apologies, gentlemen. ❞  arthur knew he should promise a return, but he silently gravitated into sister's shadow. in childhood, he would've clung to her arm; hands merely clasped together. it didn't stop camelot's future from moving in sync.  ❝ thank you, ❞  muttered under his breath. air able to enter his lungs with ease once more.  ❝ think we can also flag down someone serving the hors d'oeuvres ? i don't think i've eaten since we've arrived. ❞  stomach in knots and body pulled in every direction.

skull nods in agreeance, an ' mhm ' sound spilling from glossed petals, further selling golden sibling's performance of a faux initiative. with proper distance growing between pair and trio of sharp teeth now, sister leans into brother then, assurance matching his uttered tone, “ please, don't thank me. i'd do anything for you, art. you know this. ” and truly meant it, shared blood being of utmost importance to blonde. “ oh but of course, we have to find the guy with mini quiches, they're to die for ⎯⎯ hm, actually, i'll do you one better .. c'mon. ” no further explanation offered, lithe frame diverting abruptly, guiding away from center of gala and towards more isolated corridors. heels of vintage red - bottoms sound against marble floor, conviction of someone entirely accustomed to walking wherever self pleases. destination is reached at last, palm dropping from brother's limb to swing open one of the double doors to kitchen space. abandons mirroring blond at entry in favor of stealthiness, optics finding an unattended silver platter lined with requested hors d'oeuvres and before anyone can object, feather light hands lift it into own grasp, already turning back toward exit as if this were unquestionably permitted. a ' hey ! what are you doing ? ' is heard behind as she reappears in front of brother, laughter bubbling as she shoves platter towards him and ushers him in the opposite direction, “ okay, walk. don't look back. ”

  early evening,   polo bar,   𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺

straw hued liquid burns esophagus as father's palms settle briefly upon delicate shoulders, daughter stilling beneath weight, caught wine - handed, mid swallow. digits push stem of crystal glass to edge of table like it had never been touched as he is preoccupied with fatherly display of affections and finding own seat. is younger again, recalibrating self around patriarch's attention — learning exact angles of closeness that may earn warmth. “ not long, ” painted brims pull taut as answer comes assuredly, “ tomorrow's briefing notes needed another review anyways. ” a pause as phone is then placed face down in favor of menu, “ i can see why you like it here. and why mother doesn't. it's understated. ” blues glance over offered selections before cutting to father's opposite, “ i think i'll take your word on the ribeye, though, maybe your taste is better than she gives you credit for. ”

“  you  have  some  semblance  of  a  brain,  is  why,  i'd  assume.  ”  barely  looks  up  from  assortment  of  canapés and  fruit  upon  their  plate,  considering  strawberries  to  offer  more  interesting  conversation  than  the  stratton  before  her.  done  multiple  rounds  about  the  room  already,  pausing  for  pictures  and  pleasantries  that  amounted  to  nothing  but  a  good  look  to  be  present  with  family  in  places  like  these  —  though  maika  wanted  nothing  more  to  be  watching  netflix  nestled  in  bed.  chocolate  hues  rose  briefly  to  rest  on  anastasia,  manicured  brow  raised  in  anticipation.  “  hummus  ?  or  are  you  too  good  for  that,  now  ?  ”                 

“ and yet, here i am, wasting it in this corner talking to you. ” rolls stem of champagne flute between digits, look of seasoned disinterest as gaze focuses on bubbles climbing towards surface before snapping to meet other's, “ hummus .. you're hiding with hummus ? that's a little .. hmm, tame for you, no ? wait, mai, have you finally grown up ? ” syllables fall from glossed brims, mockery concealed by honeyed tongue, glacier hues then traveling to plate briefly and back to chocolate ones of once friend, frost finding home back on porcelain features. “ i'd rather starve, actually. ” venom spat plainly, allotting no time for famed disillusion of sweetness at heart to skillfully weave through words. “ you know, i suppose this is an improvement for you. i'm sure mayor mann will sleep much better now. i mean, it's got to be exhausting pulling so many strings, right ? ”

the fact that aurelia was invited to the met gala or the after party was a mystery to everyone, including herself. it wasn't like she was a nobody but she also didn't quite fit the mold of being a well behaved celebrity. there was a reason they weren't inviting certain reality tv show stars because they were promoting the arts, not some beef filled spectacle. aurelia liked seeing everyone's outfits and she would never admit this to anyone, but she loved that she was supporting the arts. most people thought she was doing it for the clout and status, and maybe that was partly true, but she was really an admirer in secret. realizing her cocktail was now sadly empty, she went to the bar, putting her glass down. " should i get the same drink or switch it up ? " she asked to the other woman at the bar. " this one is good but a little too sweet. maybe i need something stronger. "

royalty adjacent's declining of coveted gala invitation was courteous, worded response that appeared as mere scheduling conflict than disdain. to her, attending would imply eagerness and that alone made the invitation intolerable. would rather carve wanting out of self, than allow world catch her reaching for anything at all. still, hefty donation in family's honorable name would arrive to board and later, blonde would find self occupying seat in lavish space, after party synonymous to perfect place to network, to sink manicured claws into new constituents. soon, unfamiliar voice piques interest and torso twists towards source. “ get something stronger. if your drink tastes mostly like sugar, you're doing it wrong. actually, ” index beckons bartender then, “ hi, two revolvers. ” then upon swift return, two glasses containing dark liquid and garnished with flamed orange peel before pair. “ try it and give me your most honest take. ”

  mid afternoon,   dress shopping,   𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺

“ my mother would agree with you, she's always said yellow in fabric is vulgar. ” skull tilts deep in thought, lissome figure standing before peer and mirror, palm displeasedly soothing surface of peach hued fabric adorning her. “ which is unfortunate because i rather like it. the lilac is too soft and the peach is definitely washing me out. it's a donor dinner, not another garden party, v. canary isn't subtle and that's what i need, that's the point. ”

pains   him   to   not   be   near   her   anymore   but   he   respects   her   wishes   —   smiles   through   the   torture   as   younger   sister   asks   questions   nick   tries   to   run   away   from   with   delicate   spun   half   -   truths,   it   works   with   physical   distance   between   them.   fingers   tighten   around   iced   latte   as   leaves   the   small   locally   owned   café   near   the   court,   mind   still   reeling   from   mother's   word   during   lunch   date   ⸻   how   quickly   work   matters   spun   into   his   personal   relations.   attorney   would   die   for   anastasia   in   secret,   carries   his   misery   in   silence   with   canines   on   sharp   tongue,   desperate   wishes   of   a   coward   for   it   to   be   enough.   devotion   only   goes   so   far,   van   rensselaer   can   cling   to   the   what   ifs,   maybes   and   one   days   but   reinventing   himself   does   not   work   when   golden   hair   and   ocean   eyes   holds   the   mirror   ⸺   can't   run,   can't   hide.   "  hi   stas,   "   polite   reaction   when   he   nearly   walks   into   her   but   otherworldly,   drowning   in   an   ocean   of   regrets   -   death   by   suffocation   in   exchange   for   the   taste   of   her   lips.

skull bowed, attention buried between pages of book in hand, steps routine enough to carry through streets sans thought, it's her world and longtime family aide trails not too far behind. turns a page then, thumb soothing corner, darkened vintage lenses conceal absorbing optics, until a body steps in and out of path. had been quite simple to disallow consumption of self by thoughts of him, must keep mind occupied, middle stratton skilled in the art. that was, until met by chocolate hues and familiar sentiments of longing hits like a tidal wave ⎯⎯ misses him greatly, other half of something neither have the language to explain and already too late to undo. twin flame, soul tether, whatever name makes it easier to survive. “ hey nicky, ” chosen moniker of endearment rolls off tongue as it has many times before. knows attorney by heart, learned language beneath surface of him so query comes as little surprise: “ how're you ? ” american princess and golden boy cut from the same cloth, for if she is aware of own ache because of their distance, mirror must feel it too.

 a  princess  by  status  and  newest  casting  if  not  by  name,  deserves  only  the  finest  things   —  yet  finds  beauty  in  these,  even  the  simplest  pressed  flowers  and  jewels.  ❝   i  could.   ❞  agrees  as  doe  eyes  admire  her  reflection,  pink  and  yellow  with  the  violet  hues  presenting  the  most  delicate  contrast.  ❝    i'm  sure  disney  would  even  approve  of  me  posting  in  a  purple  crown,  at  the  very  least.  but  i  was  thinking  something  a  little  softer.    ❞

“ so there's macaroons — from paris, of course .. cucumber sandwiches, lemon tarts, scones .. hmm, oh and toast points with caviar, how could i forget the caviar ? ” gestures to spread flawlessly arranged before pair, manicured fingertips smoothing over delicate lace that drapes table, “ what do you think ? granted, i did have some help. irene set the table and grady plated it all but i was the visionary. ”

Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy LOVE STORY Season 1, Episode 4 — I Love You

glide of lithe digits against glove is instinctive, muscle memory as palm settles into his, pale blues wandering to the other elite drifting past in a glittery procession but awareness of him lingers. eyes against her feel warm, familiar, chin tilts then so own focus can meet his, “ it's my dress, isn't it ? ” voice lilts, though truth nestles beneath the veneer, “ it is a bit much .. i feel like i'm suffocating. ” would much rather prefer silk duchess satin to scales but ever willing to put on for show, royalty adjacent well trained in the art of a spectacle. his hand steady at her back now and hers rests against plane of shoulder as other two join in symmetry, rhythm settling between pair. “ hmm, you say that but if my memory serves me correct .. haven't you stepped on my feet a time or two before ? ” wistful in tone yet unable to stifle airy laughter, could very well be a false recollection, recalls most but heavens know what's taken root in grey matter since. soon line of his shoulder blade isn't enough and hand gradually slides to curve where it meets base of neck, unfair it is, how naturally she still fits into the space once shaped for her all those years ago. connected digits curl into his, tethering self to him, to younger self who moves with him now.

his  hold  on  the  metal  helmet  slackened  upon  sight  of  an  eerie  spectre  meters  before  them.    “  darling,  i  hate  to  be  the  bearer  of  terrible  news  but  i  have  a  strong  suspicion  we’re  already  in  hell.  ”    he  tipped  his  head  and  encouraged  her  to  turn  around  and  take  a  look.    “  that  or  the  senator  has  deigned  to  grace  us  with  his  presence  here  up  on  earth,  where  us  mere  mortals  walk.  ”    if  she  was  arthur,  he  would  have  offered  to  let  her  hide  her  face  with  the  helmet  now  miraculously  sprung  open.    “  what  have  you  three  cerberus  heads  done  to  summon  the senator  here ?  ”  

own grip drops from metal, spine twisting so she can meet aforementioned figure, cerulean optics narrowing, alcohol dulling usual sharpness but not enough to blur recognition. brother is at the forefront of thought, how presence will affect the fragile architecture of his happiness and second is of self, intoxication that wrapped senses and fear of patriarchal gaze finding her this way. “ shut up. ” to accompany words, palm swiftly hits metal breastplate of cousin's armor, not registering solidness of surface until ache reaches cortex, a delayed 'ow' falling from brims as she cradles hand to chest, a blip before mask is donned. “ just smile and wave. actually — ” hand reaches to knock a now opened visor back down, “ leave that to me. you just walk. ”

❝ okay, okay, ❞   he chuckled, holding up his hands, capitulating second nature — forever the easier path in the environment they were raised in. god knew how he'd tried molding himself to fit the place carved out for him on family mantle and how his failure stung like an unhealed wound, heart muscle tearing whenever disappointment filled parents' voices or sister was left alone in the political lions' den. believed all parties wished for a proper stratton at times rather than one most content in a lab or here playing pretend.  ❝ they're probably well trained . . . right ? ❞   corner of his smile momentarily wavered, but steps didn't falter  ❝ i might faint from shock if mother abandons a decades long tradition for a photo of us dressed up like game of thrones characters. but maybe it'll be worthy of a place on the mantle. ❞

“ i'm sure they are but i mean, even the most well trained things can go rogue. ” doesn't speak it but glance indicts that it could also be said for the two of them: him, veering off predestined path and her, being sent off to programs and specialists to correct behavior that didn't align with upbringing. america's brother and sister rogue in their own ways. arrival to falconry perch and handler in sight prompts a nudging of shared blood with foot, hitting calf pertly as she reaches to retrieve phone from designer handbag. “ you're probably right, she'd much rather us cosplay as the sopranos .. but go on then. we're vying for that spot on the mantle now so smile big. ”