In the beginning of the relationship, he's very stern... grumpy too
And months into dating... He's still a big 'ol grumpy lion
His pet names for you are "cub" and "little one" cuz lets face it, there's no way you're bigger than this dude
Brutus isn't very big on PDA since he believes things like that should be private. However if you ask, he'll hold your hand or give you a kiss
If you try to escalate the kiss into something steamy, he'll let out a low growl, gently stopping you
"Cub, please. Not here..."
The only time he'll let you get away with this in public is if he's jealous
He'd pull you into his lap as he glares daggers at whoever is eyeing you
When you two are alone, he'll definitely be much more affectionate
He kisses like....well, like a lion
Hungry and forceful
He purrs, loudly. It's enough to make your body rumble when he's holding you
If you were ever in danger, he'd fight immediately. He's strong enough to fight and keep you safe at the same time
He'd be all over you once the battle is over, manhandling you as he checks for injuries
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, my love"
His biggest fear is you becoming afraid of him
If you're ever down or stressed, he'd pull you close and give you a tongue bath. It's practically instinctual after seeing you sad. His barbed tongue softly scrapes your skin as he holds you in a comfortable grip
If he's ever stressed or down, you can cheer him up by giving him your own tongue bath. He appreciates it, even if your tongue isn't suited for it.
During arguments, he's always calm soft spoken since he'd honestly rather die than raise his voice at you
Brutus always refers to you as his "mate" when talking to others
If you ever refer to him as your "mate" he might tear up a bit from pride and joy
Three years after her gruesome win of the 72nd hunger games, Y/N L/N is thrown back into the brutal chaos of the capitol, love and loss as she fights to not fall back into her destructive ways and live through the rebellion - only if she survives the 75th annual hunger games; the quarter quell.
Not many people write for the career pack of the 75th hunger games so I thought I'd give them some love - hope everyone enjoys it!
TW! Mentions of Death
Capitol citizens screamed in excitement as each carriage flew through the large stone arena, the only sound I could hear above the loud roar of the crowds was the large horses' heavy galloping as they pulled us through the designated track.
Chaff and I stared straight ahead - poised and stoic as capitolites begged for a simple glance. Not giving them the time of day became easier each year as I learned it was just as easy to stare blankly under the guise of stoicism rather than wave at the rich spectators. We weren't performing monkeys for them to poke and prod at.
It wasn't until district 12 entered the large space that everyone went truly wild - women and men alike screamed for Katniss and Peeta as they interlocked their hands. The famed star crossed lovers were extremely popular as of late, their double victory was a new and exciting spectacle within the capitol as viewers and game makers alike yearned for their survival and success.
I tried to zone out the rest of the parade as I quickly became bored with the whole preformative show, suddenly too tired to care whether or not the president would even be bothered - surely, the newest additions to the pool of victors were enough to entertain him for now, allowing the rest of us some breathing room.
Once the carriages had been directed back to the station where the horses would be fed, Chaff and I hopped down from the gold chariot in search of refuge; the place we could rid ourselves of those ridiculous costumes.
As I made my way towards the elevators in order to find myself a little peace before the tribute training began that night Chaff had found himself being tugged away by Haymitch once again. I had bid the pair a good afternoon before steeping into the closing doors.
"Don't you look terrifying" came the teasing voice of Brutus as I pressed floor number 11. I spun around to face him only to be met with the smug glare of this year's career pack.
"Don't you look smug" I responded cheekily stepping forward to hug him. He chuckled slightly as he lent down to meet me halfway.
"Stop hogging her" Enobaria's sharp retort startled me as she tugged me out of her companion's arms, "I think you look beautiful" she whispered in my ear before pulling away.
"Hey Enobaria, you look stunning" I responded softly before squeezing her hand and stepping backwards.
There was only one left of our small group I had yet to greet as she stood at her brother's side behind me, "Cashmere" I breathed as I pulled her into a tight embrace. Cashmere had been my first friend amongst the victors after my win, she had been the one to comfort me through my days of endless tears and night terrors when everyone else was too afraid to approach me. The poisonous gas had still been in my system when I was cleared for release into the victor's shared chamber - I guess they were wary it's violent influence over my normally docile temperament as it had lingering effects. But Cashmere had brushed off Brutus and Gloss' warning, favouring comforting me in the first few days after my victory.
"Y/N" she had whispered back as she squeezed me tightly before gently tugging me between her and Gloss as we all stood in the tight space of the slowly rising elevator.
We conversed quietly as Enobaria quizzed me on what I was going to do in the arena, who I was going to ally with etc, Brutus had gripped her hand firmly but softly as to calm her inquisitive nature. I had simply responded quietly saying I didn't yet know, missing the determined glances passed throughout the group.
Eventually, the elevator dinged signifying to our small group that I had reached my destination; quickly hugging each victor goodbye and promising I'd see them later I swiftly exited the cramped box, eager to rest for a little while.
Once again I found myself stuffed into another tight outfit, the designated training suits were almost bearable if not for the tight mesh it was somewhat made out of.
Victors were sat sporadically throughout the training arena, I found myself standing awkwardly in the corner as I tried to find my place alongside them.
There was one major difference between myself and everyone else in this game - I was the only person not supposed to win.
I found myself hiding behind a large piece of metal, the arena this year appeared to be a demolition sight, rubble, partially smashed buildings and half standing metal structures were everywhere.
The older boy’s voice taunting me as he searched for my small figure. I had found myself facing off with the last tribute standing, my theory that hiding and scavenging during the night had proved successful as I made to the final two.
Footsteps neared my shaking form as I tried my hardest to prevent my sobs from slipping from my tightly pressed lips. We had been like this for hours, me hiding and crying while Jori from district 4 hunted me.
Sooner than later the game makers will get bored I thought as I tugged my legs tighter to my chest - the small hole I had crawled into prevented my hunter from spotting me, without actually climbing into the space with me he would have never been able to spot my curled form as I shook.
“Come out wherever you are little bitch” his furious snarl rang out as he neared me once more.
The game of cat and mouse continued for a few more hours before a clinically sweet scent filled the air of the arena.
Taking a deep breath of the mouth watering scent drew me out of my secure temporary home, my empty stomach rumbling with vicious need as I clawed at the metal.
Emerging from the metal structure I circled the outskirts of the area in search of the source of the scent - it seemed to be coming from all around me.
I grew irritated as my search became frantic and I continued to come up empty handed - it seemed that as my anger and viciousness grew I became less and less aware of my own safety.
My own stomach’s disgruntled growling and roaring drowned out the sound of approaching footsteps.
Suddenly a solid weight knocked me off my feet, a pained gasp leaving my dry cracked lips as I tried to regain my balance.
Jori was on top of me, raising a long spear like metal stick as he tried to finally end my life.
Suddenly, in my panic stricken fight to get away from the tall boy I lifted my leg from beneath his wriggling form and kicked him straight in the nose, not even sparing a cringe at the crunching and squishing under my foot as I dragged myself away from his dazed figure as he dropped the spike and rolled onto his back away from me.
I grew even more angry and disgruntled as he continued clawing at my departing form, eventually giving into the growing rage madder haze threatening to overwhelm my mind as I began throwing punches and kicks straight back at him.
Suddenly, a cold rage pierced my being as I stomped and hit as his body - his weakened form now retreating as to protect himself from my furied hits.
I found myself stood over his trembling form, crying, pleading and spitting threats at my shaking self as I neared him.
In one final crazed move, feeling as if I was unable to control my own movements as a furious thunder rumbled throughout me I lifted the metal spike, and with all my might I lifted the spear above my head and thrust it down into his eye socket.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the winner of the 72nd hunger games - Y/N L/N”
Brutus had always been more of a rough around the edges kind of man, from the permanent scowl plastered on his face, to his calculating gaze, many saw the Zabrak as someone simply too cold and shut off for love. He knew this, and accepted it as best as he could, knowing that his place among his tribe should be enough. But no matter what he told himself, deep inside he knew a simple truth. He did not want to be alone and forgotten about.
Although romanticizing was Sunders specialty Brutus also had dreams. Someone softer than himself, who didn't mind him taking charge often but would still have the type of fire to fight back for their own opinions. Someone who would care for him, as grumpy as he was. But he thought these ideas would never come into fruition and so he shoved them down, as deep as he could so as to never think of them again. And then you showed up.
You treated him with kindness, never flinching from his attitude and instead taking the time to try and get to know him. You asked questions that had no way of being truly important to your research on Dathomir and the Nightsisters, what his favorite foods were, where some of his scars came from, and many others. You asked for his opinion on things, something he had only dreamed of now becoming a reality. And then he was injured. Not badly mind you, but he watched in silent surprise as you fussed over the gashes on his arms, carefully applying bacta and wrapping it for him. The hunting trip had been successful he had told you, but your response had surprised him, as it usually did.
“I don't care about the hunt, Brute! I care about you being hurt”
“Don't be stupid, stupid. I'm fine. Had worse before.” He was careful not to look at you as you checked your handy work, not wanting his eyes to give anything away.
“Shut up Brute or ill bite you or somethin. Your arms are gonna be ok, but you've got to be more careful. Your worth more than some stupid hunt you know.”
Silence was one of Brutus’s specialtys and yet in this moment he wished it wasn't, in fact he wished he was anyone but himself. You deserve someone so much softer than him, someone who could give you things, gifts and a good life, pups maybe. And he was nothing but a nightbrother, made only to serve the nightsisters and fight for them.
But then you gently cupped his face firmly but carefully grasping his jaw to turn his gaze back to you? checking him over even more before, murmuring that you were glad he was ok? He knew that while he may not deserve you, he would fight for any scrap of attention you offered him. Everything in him roared for your approval, for your affection and care.
And so when you offered to take him with you, holding onto his rough hands with such loving desperation how could he say no? And so he followed you back to your ship, hearts pounding in his chest as he peered at his home planet from one of the windows. The ships engines roared to life and suddenly he was eyeing Dathomir from the stars he had grown up hearing stories about.
“Are you ready? Hyperspace is waiting Brutus.” A soft hand placed carefully on his healing arm, fingers trailing gently on the bandages. “We can take a bit longer if you want, I know this must be a lot…”
Taking one last glance at the planet he once called home he nods, turning back to you. “ Let's go. You said that Naboo was nice right little one? ”
“Stop callin me that! Its not my fault you're built like a damned oak tree!”
“Don't know what that is bug, maybe you could show me.”
A life of vague solitude suddenly upended by a human. A strong and capable zabrak warrior is suddenly taken by a gentle visitor to explore the stars. Truly the story that many would later speak of. Perhaps even one that was worthy of the stars.
Three years after her gruesome win of the 72nd hunger games, Y/N L/N is thrown back into the brutal chaos of the capitol, love and loss as she fights to not fall back into her destructive ways and live through the rebellion - only if she survives the 75th annual hunger games; the quarter quell.
Not many people write for the career pack of the 75th hunger games so I thought I'd give them some love - hope everyone enjoys it!
The tight, harsh corset the stylist had put me in was irritating my skin and was making it hard to breath as I entered the section of the building where the carriages were stationed.
Chaff and I were making our way towards our fellow victors, all of us trying to ready ourselves for the famed tribute parade - there was a tense sense of acknowledgement within everyone as they tried to converse quietly. "Just try to be nice, everyone here doesn't actually want to fight. We're only here to please the capitol's sick need for entertainment" Chaff murmured to me as we gently bumped into one another as we walked.
I hummed in agreement, mulling over his words as I tried to put on a facade of false happiness.
As we entered the spacious area we bumped into Haymitch Abernathy, the victor of the previous quarter quell, he was accompanied by the most recent survivors of the 74th hunger games - Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
The outcome of last years game was unique as there were two survivors - it was a forbidden love story close to the hearts of many, leading to an outraged call of two victors as the couple tried to end both of their lives, an act of refusal to kill each other once they were the only tributes left alive.
I smiled at Haymitch as he pulled me into a tight hug, whispering a quiet hello as he pulled away to introduce us to his mentees, "This is Katniss and Peeta" he smiled as Chaff pulled the former into a tight squeeze, kissing her on the cheek and I shook Peeta's hand.
"I'm Y/N and this is Chaff" I introduced ourselves to the pair as Katniss struggled to regain her composure after Chaff's endeared fussing.
"Hi" Katniss muttered as Peeta greeted us, I could tell she was uncomfortable as she looked around at the plethora of dangerous victors.
"Well then - I need to catch up with my old friend here" Haymitch exclaimed, cutting off our awkward exchange as he tugged Chaff to his side, "You two go and get to know the other victors and I'll get yous when yous need to get ready for the parade" he called as the two men strolled away.
"Bye I guess" Peeta muttered as he smiled softly at the older pair before he excused himself, kissing Katniss on the cheek and walking towards the bathroom sign.
A silence stretched out between myself and Katniss as i tried to stop myself from staring at her, "I watched your game you know" she murmured, "It was messed up what they did to yous".
Swallowing harshly I ground out a simple "Yeah".
"I mean that trick with the gas was awfu- Sorry I didn't mean to pry or be rude" she quickly cut herself off as she realised she may have been overstepping some boundaries.
"It's fine, I watched yours too. Smart trick with the berries" I complemented as she relaxed a little.
"So, who should I look out for here" she asked after a while of quiet conversation that flowed easily between us.
"I'd look out for Finnick Odair - he's smart, strong and fast, the holy trinity, but he's really nice. Not so humble though." I laughed as we watched him begin to walk towards us.
"Hello ladies" I heard his devious drawl as I turned away, whispering that I'd see them both later - and a quiet good luck to Katniss as I brushed past the pair.
I found myself standing next to one of the large horses, petting it's soft mane when a loud voice in my ear scared me, catching me off guard as I twisted around to find the owner of the words, "Nice dress" Gloss laughed.
Rolling my eyes I muttered a greeting as I turned to face the victor from district 1, "At least you can breath in that outfit" I gestured to his bedazzled shirt, presumably matching his sister's dress as we gazed around the room.
"How are you feeling?" he quietly muttered as I turned to look up at him - his giant stature, similar to district two's victor Brutus, used to be a source of fear within me but as we got to know each other I realised there was nothing to be afraid of, he was a giant softy - the irony of that fact did not fall short on me as I was aware of his victor status as he was victorious within the games.
"You know - I'm not exactly ecstatic to be here" I laughed halfheartedly as he chuckled, "But what can I do about it, I'm sorry you're here Gloss" I sobered up quickly, "I know how much you and Cashmere mean to each other. It's shit that you're both here again. But who knows? Maybe there'll be a miracle and there could be two victors again. The capitol would hate to separate the two of you" I mused.
"Yeah" he responded sombrely, "I just hope it doesn't come down to the two of us" I patted his arm gently as he reached up and squeezed my hand.
Gloss and I had been friends for a year or so, we had met a few days after my victory but it had taken a while for us to warm up to each other.
I had been delirious, in pain and unable to understand that I was still alive when I had been escorted into the victor's shared chamber once I had been cleared that none of my wounds were life threatening. Only Cashmere and Haymitch had approached me on that dreadful morning as I lay crying on the couch in the communal lounge room.
She had sat stroking my hair as I retched into a left over trash can on the floor while he repeatedly explained to me that I was indeed alive. The rest of the victors had kept their distance those first few days as I commandeered the room that had been used prior to my presence to watch the game before they slowly began introducing themselves to me.
Gloss had been one of the last to acknowledge me, later telling me I had reminded him of himself after his victory, he had been gruff and blunt, scaring me and making himself appear quite unkind. Cashmere had reprimanded him at the time, telling him to be kinder and to make more of an effort but he had only brushed her off. Now, reflecting on his actions, I know he was only reliving his own trauma as I cried in the communal room for days, screaming in my sleep while I was tormented by my own demons.
We had only become friends in the last year as we all came together once more to watch the 74th annual hunger games, tensions high within the chamber as all of the current mentors danced around one another. My tributes had survived the initial bloodbath, a scrawny young girl and an older boy, Rue and Thresh - both afraid and too young to witness those horrors.
We had finally met properly in the dark hours of the next morning as I was unable to sleep, finding him in the viewing room, watching over his and Cashmere's tributes while they slept on the forest floor, Marvel and Glimmer I thought. I had cautiously approached him as I sat next to him on the couch.
Silence slowly became quiet conversation as the hours passed, eventually I had ushered him to bed promising I would wake him if any danger came of his mentees and quiet conversation somehow morphed into quiet friendship.
Gloss and I spent more tie together the following days of the games, I eventually found myself joining the famed career pack for breakfast. I got along with Enobaria and Cashmere easily enough - Brutus was a hard nut to crack but I eventually pushed the right buttons and he welcomed me with open arms.
Our friendship was not a well known spectacle within the capitol or the districts - it was a quiet blossoming thing meant to be protected and cherished.
We never spoke about any of our games and it was easy enough but now, I thought, maybe if I had questioned or inquired more maybe I may have had better odds at surviving the quarter quell.
"Where's Cashmere?" I questioned as we gazed at the tall horse before us.
"She's with Brutus and Enobaria, she is not doing so well with all things considered" he answered in a sombre tone. I could imagine being forced into the games, not only again but with your brother, would take a toll on ones mental state.
We continued to converse for a while before each district pair was called to board the designated carriages to ready ourselves for the parade, "I'll see you later Gloss" I whispered as I reached to hug him goodbye.
"We'll come find you tonight" he whispered in my ear, "Cashmere, Enobaria and Brutus miss you. We don't get to see you very often so they'd like to have dinner with you later" he squeezed me once before releasing me and returning to his carriage.
Sighing, I turned to climb into the carriage, awaiting Chaff's return as I thought about the impending doom soon to be upon us.
Three years after her gruesome win of the 72nd hunger games, Y/N L/N is thrown back into the brutal chaos of the capitol, love and loss as she fights to not fall back into her destructive ways and live through the rebellion - only if she survives the 75th annual hunger games; the quarter quell.
Not many people write for the career pack of the 75th hunger games so I thought I'd give them some love - hope everyone enjoys it!
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 75th year of the hunger games" the capitol crowd roared with enthusiasm and excitement, "It was written in the charter of the games that every 25 years there would be a quarter quell, to keep fresh for every new generation the memory of those who died in the uprising against the capitol". President Snow's emotionless drawl echoed through the room I was sat in as I watched the dreaded broadcast. "Each quarter quell is distinguished by games of a special significance and now, on the 75th anniversary of the defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the third quarter quell." I felt sick at the prospect of yet another group of children fighting to the death for Snow's sick enjoyment, "As a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of the capitol".
The president's dull boasting made me feel sick to my stomach as my heartbeat pulsed in my ears and a cold sweat formed on my brow - thoughts of these poor children, who were blissfully ignorant of what was about to come, overwhelmed my mind as I suppressed a shudder at my own memories of the games.
"On this, the third quarter quell games, the male and female tributes are to reaped from the existing pool of victors in each district", my own breathing stalled for what felt like a lifetime as the poisonous words left the pale lips of the old man.
Lifting myself from the old brown couch I had situated myself in earlier, I staggered from the living room to the small grey bathroom, releasing my small breakfast I had forced down. Gagging and crying, my tears and sweat mixed together forming a pitiful substance on the cheeks as I gasped against the cold tiles of the bathroom floor.
My mind spiralled as I lay there on the cold damp tiles, thinking about everything I had never done in my life - I had never even been truly loved by someone or loved someone in return.
I lay there until I couldn't cry anymore, eventually I had to get up and ready myself for the reaping - the final seal of my fate.
I found myself standing on the small stage looking out at the quiet crowd of district 11 as I nervously snuck glances at my fellow tributes, Chaff and Seeder - there were only three of us. Therefore, Chaff's place in the games was inevitable as he was the only male victor, but Seeder and I were both eligible for a place within the quarter quell. It wouldn't be fair to wish Seeder would be the name to be called out but I wouldn't say I wanted to be chosen either. This what the games does to you - it makes you wish for the downfall of others in hopes of getting above them, pushing others down for your own benefit.
The quiet murmur of the large crowd was drowned out by the loud beating of my heart as I shakily stood waiting for mine or Seeder's names to be called out.
The escort of our district, Clurmont, shakily cleared his throat as he glanced at us - pitiful and shameful as he knew he was basically sending us to our death.
"Good afternoon district 11" his deep voice boomed out, only to be met with silence as the saddened but presumably relieved crowd only stared at him. I knew they were happy that there would be no loved ones lost this year, but the loss of so many 'beloved' victors would hurt them.
Clurmont awkwardly cleared his throat and smiled as brightly as he could at the cameras filming this whole ordeal, "Welcome to the reaping of the annual 75th hunger games" he stated. "This year we celebrate the 3rd quarter quell with a special twist to usual games - our tributes being reaped from the existing pool of victors" he called out to the unrelenting harsh stare of the district.
"Without further ado, I will begin the selection, if your name is called out, please step forward" his shaking hands reached into male tribute bowl, a needless action as everyone present knew who would be stepping forward in a few mere seconds. "Chaff" he exclaimed as he turned to stare at the before mentioned man, "if you would please stand next to me" he quietly asked the tense man.
"Now, the moment you have all been waiting for, the female tribute taking part in the 75th annual hunger games is..." his voice echoed throughout the large clearing filled with silent spectators as all eyes turned to stare straight at me.
My breath caught in my throat, choking me as I was suddenly unable to hear anything other than my own blood pulsing through my veins. Seeder's gentle hand reached out to grasp mine, grounding me and pulling me out of my spiralling haze.
"Y/N, if you could please come her and stand with your fellow victor" Clurmont quietly pleaded as the awkward silence stretched out, probably boring the capitol viewers who thrived off our fellow tributes' breakdowns and emotional outbursts as the revelation of our places in these games and our predetermined fates.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here I give you, the tributes of the 75th annual hunger games - Chaff and Y/N!"
