How To Break A Heart In 10 Ways [Loki & Death]

Madame Ilyana had asked me to go to the store and pick up her favorite cheese and pickled fish (ugh.) and, so, here I was, wearing a skirt (pink) on top of plain black leotards and tights, and, oh, yes, my dark grey boots. I prowled the aisle for the fish, there were so many damn kinds of fish, until I located it. The cheese was easier. I allowed myself to browse, looking at the different food items, all the ones that weren't fish, at least. I was always dieting to keep my weight down, so I was always hungry, despite being served decent meals; this was making my stomach grumble, so I turned to head to the counter and pay. Then I noticed this boy, he was really very cute, a tallish, blondish young man, and I have been willing to swear that I'd caught him eying me. I even blushed. But I glanced over at him and smiled for a moment before looking away again, too. It was exciting, I had to admit, seeing a new boy I'd never met before and having him be looking at me.

I pay for the food with the money Madame gave me, all too aware of the boy standing right behind me. I'm uncomfortable having him there, that close, but it's not altogether a bad feeling, and I am, of course, flattered he is paying me attention like this, not that I'd admit that in a million years. And then, out of nowhere, he offers to carry the bag the clerk hands me. Turning to fully face the young man, I can feel myself blush, slightly, which I hate because it is embarrassing, and I say, "Are you sure? You'll have your own bag to carry." Obviously, he will, since he has groceries, too. "Though the Academy isn't far." I add, and wait for him to respond, because I hope he wants to walk me home, anyhow, and then I can get to know his name, at least. I don't tell him mine, yet, either, because I want him to go first. I am painfully aware that when it comes to flirting, I don't know what I'm doing, but I hope I am not making a fool of myself, at least.

"I don't mind waiting," I reply, and do just that, waiting while he is checking out.

"Oh, well, I'm Aurelia, but everyone calls me Auri," I say when he asks my name. I think I like the name 'Sail', even though it has to do with boats and fishing and all that. At least, he has a nice smile. "It's nice to meet you, Sail."

This doesn't mean I can trust him, of course, I know that. I'm not stupid. But he IS cute.

"What do you do?" I ask, to make small talk - I bet that, too, is something to do with fishing. "I'm a dancer," I add.

I giggle, I can't help it. But at least I refrain from saying that I hate fish, the smell of fish, fish for supper, just all of it. I hold out the grocery bag for him to carry, and I smile at him, saying, "Most people are fishermen.. What makes Sail different?" I ask. I want to learn more about him, and appeal to his pride: most people like to tell you what's special about them (they deny it, but they do)...

"Right this way," I say, at Sail's side. walking along the sidewalk with him; I add "It's that big gray building with all the windows. If I wasn't, and I know I'm bragging here, but if I wasn't as graceful as I am I'd fall over because I can't stop staring up at Sail, then I lower my eyes, but my gaze creeps back up as if I have no control over it, "Would you like to go for a walk after we drop these bags off?"


I don't give him a chance to answer, just open the door and corral one of the littler kids and take my back from Sail and pass it to this kid, with instructions to deliver it to madame Ilyana.

Then I step back out, smiling, "I mean if you want to go for a walk with me?" I add, boldly "Maybe we can figure out something unique about you." I add, cheerfully

I walk out and come to Sail's side, trying not to be too excited about this, after all, I just met this boy, and it wasn't like he was a hero in a fairytale ready to sweep me off my feet; he was just a boy. I've heard warnings enough about 'that thing' that all boys want, and I am not about to do that when I've just met him, but a walk sounds nice anyhow.

I smile up at Sail, and say, "So, where is your favorite place to walk?" I hope as I ask it the answer is not 'the beach', because I'm not dressed for it and would get sand inside my boots.

I don't know why but I go up on one toe and do a little pirouette before stopping at his side again, waiting for his answer with my heart trying to beat much faster than can possibly be good for it.

I feel a little smile tug at my lips, and I nod, almost shyly, having to talk about myself, having to answer a question. "I like to walk, sure," I say, "Usually I go alone, though." Then I don't know why I am telling him this about myself, but I add, "I'm very lucky to live at the Academy, but sometimes I just need to get out and away. Everyone is so.. so serious, and intense. I mean, I'm that way about my dancing, but not about.. ...something like being in the Games." Wow. I blurted all that out?

I feel myself blush, the tips of my ears especially feel on fire.

I think of all those hours I've spent in compulsary training that could have been spent dancing - and if I want to dance my way to the Capitol someday, every minute counts.

I should be dancing right now, actually, not strolling with Sail but for now I don't care.

I think about all the time I could have been walking with a boy, instead. Like this boy. And yes, thanks to my training, I could probably kick his ass, but as far as I am concerned, he is going to learn that when the sky falls down - it's just not a very attractive quality, as far as I'm concerned.

I daydream a little as we walk, him and me, about what it would be like to kiss those lips that are almost too pretty for a boy. I make myself blush again, too, and to distract myself, I ask, "So, you know my favorite thing is dancing, what's yours?"

Put the focus back on him and we'll probably both be happier, I think, looking up at Sail.