Booksmarts

Athena Decker Morris / Seraph / 30

[athena-decker]

thedarkestpartofhollis·:

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There was a very…uncomfortable air in his apartment. It certainly felt ominous, even if Athena’s text said it was good news. His brows furrowed, uncertain as to where she was. However, she was soon standing directly in front of him and they almost ran right into each other, “Hey.” He said simply, reaching out to place a hand on her arm. He scanned over her face, trying to read just what that expression was. It wasn’t a very common one…at least not from Athena. He noted something was clutched in her hands but he didn’t have a second to ask.

She just came right out with it.

She was pregnant.

He just stood for a moment, mouth slightly ajar, looking around the room like he was one some hidden camera show. But that wasn’t reality. The reality was that his girlfriend of five months was pregnant. Apparently. “Oh…okay.” He sighed out, leaning his shoulder against the wall and folding his arms across his chest. Then he unfolded them again almost immediately and pointed at her hands, “Is that…is that the test?” He asked, his brows raising a bit, suddenly not knowing what to do with hands.

“Those things are extremely unreliable.” He said with a nod, “We should…we should get another one to make sure, right?” Hollis asked. The likelihood of a false positive was pretty high, to be quite honest. The thought of having a child was enough to keep Hollis up at the night. And now that there was the very real possibility that it could be real, gave him angina. There was no way it was real, right? No way. “You…you are on birth control, right?” Granted, they did have sex a lot. And that success rate of birth control probably went way down the more sex you have. And the more he thought about it, the more he was beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, she could be pregnant..

🗡

At first Hollis said nothing, he just looked around the room confused with his mouth hanging open. Athena was half tempted to reach up and carefully close his mouth to cut the tension but she thought better of it. Hollis leaned against the wall and finally spoke, not sounding the most ecstatic. But maybe he was still just taking it all in. She blinked when he pointed at the test in her hand, it still needed another minute or so before the results would come in. She’d splurged on the fanciest one that told her how far along she was. Though this was her second one, the first had told her she was over three weeks along. Which lined up with her not having a period for almost three months. 

“Right....” Athena agreed when he mentioned taking another test. With that she took his hand and started leading him through the apartment towards the bathroom. “I am,” she assured him when he asked about birth control. “I thought I was taking it right I mean I’ve been taking the same pill since I was in college.” She was starting to feel a bit guilty, thinking back wondering when she messed up. Taking the same medication every day at the exact same time wasn’t easy but Athena thought she’d figured it out. Granted that was before she was running around half the city to try and see her boyfriend, on top of her job and moonlighting as a seraph. 

They reached the bathroom where the five other tests sat on the counter, all reading positive. Athena set down the test she was holding, adding it to the line up. She turned to look at Hollis with a sheepish smile. “I’d say whoops...” Still holding his hand she brought it to her stomach. “But I think this is good. I was sort of hoping I’d be married before I had kids but the more I think about it the more I’m just happy.” A laugh like a little bell escaped her lips. “We were already talking about moving in together and... and I do want a life with you, Hollis.” It was a big confession but one that was dwarfed by the pregnancy announcement. “And now we get to start a family together,” she started bouncing on her toes. She could gush all day and night about it: Hollis being a father, the two of them going for walks with the baby, getting to pick out names and design the nursery-- even if those two things were already rather set in stone in Athena’s head

[thedarkestpartofhollis]

Special Delivery For: @athena-decker

It was a pretty busy day at work (not that there was ever really a slow day). Hollis had back to back clients pretty much all day. He was taking depositions from the victims, which was always unfortunate. It was by far his least favorite part of his job. Listening to their terrible stories never got easier. However, they were always sufficient kick in the ass he needed to throw the criminals in jail who ruined their lives. Not that he needed much motivation in the first place...but it helped.

When Hollis was on his lunch break (which was barely a break), he finally checked his phone and read the text from Athena. His brows furrowed and shot her back a quick text. I miss you too. Sounds good...and ominous. He shook his head after sending it and just stared at his phone for a more moments, wondering what it could be. Now on top of everything else he had to think about, he had this as well.

Hours passed and around 6:45, he was finally leaving the office. An annoying, traffic filled drive home later, Hollis was finally back at his apartment. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, immediately taking off his shoes and lining them up beside his other ones. Hollis slipped his jacket off and placed his cane against the wall, "Athena?" He called out, loosening his tie as he hobbled through the apartment, "You okay, babe?"

[athena-decker]

It was a slow day at the museum which was the exact opposite of what Athena wanted. She needed a distraction from her thoughts, from what almost felt like a fact at this point: she was pregnant. Not that she knew for sure, but if her whirlwind of emotions and lack of a period was due to something other than a baby then she had other problems... It was easy enough to buy a test but she’d been hesitant, wanting to wait till she could talk about it with Hollis. Even if the test was negative they should probably still talk about it. Somehow they’d never actually talked about having a family. Well-- Athena had talked about it, Hollis had just nodded along keeping his thoughts to his chest like he often did. Such a lawyer mood. Athena felt herself getting frustrated with her boyfriend and reminded herself pretty much everything was setting her off recently. She even snapped at Zeke when he asked her if she’d worn that cardigan twice this week. He just laughed it off, thank God.

Hollis finally responded to her text, the mention of an ominous vibe making her bite her lip. ‘It’s only good news! ❤️’ she assured him. Which wasn’t a lie. Either she was pregnant or she wasn’t. If she was well... Hollis would be an amazing dad and she’d always wanted kids. Really it was just the lack of a plan that was stressing her out not the possibility of a baby in general. Of all her past partners, of all the people she could have had a baby with, Hollis was definitely the best option. Finally her shift was up and she rushed to the nearest drug store to pick up a test before heading over to Hollis’ apartment. She ended up buying two boxes, different brands that boasted faster results versus double accuracy. The whole time she was on the subway she just stared at the boxes trying to parse which one was actually better. Which was probably a strange sight for the other passengers, but it wasn’t like the Bronx subway never had any weirdos. 

She was at Hollis’ place before he was which was to be expected. She tried waiting but she just couldn’t any longer, taking one of the tests at random and going to the bathroom. The box said results in one minute but as soon as she looked at the lines there were two, bold bright and pink. It felt slightly mocking-- like ‘yeah you’re pregnant what did you think?’ Athena grabbed the other brand of test and started the process again. And again, and again. Till she ran to the nearest dug store to purchase another box. Before Hollis was even home she’d taken five test, all positive, all sitting on the bathroom counter. 

Athena sat in the kitchen holding her most recent test, not even hearing the apartment door open. It wasn’t till Hollis called out to her she stood up to meet him, the two of them almost colliding into each other in the hallway. “Hi...” she said, still clutching the pregnancy test. His question should be easy enough to answer but somehow Athena found herself at a loss for words. So she figured it was best to just say what had been on her mind for the past few hours while she waited for Hollis to come home. “Hollis, I’m pregnant.” She watched for his reaction. 

[athena-decker]

#

what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone: Daddy💞💖

what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone:

what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone: It’s Only a Paper Moon - Ella Fitzgerald 

my muse’s last text to your muse “Missing you at work 💗 I’ll come to your apartment when I’m done here, I want to talk to you about something.” 

[athena-decker]

thedarkestpartofhollis·:

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He nodded with an almost smug smile and laughed, “I know you would have.” Hollis had done, almost, a one eighty from his college days. There were still parts of him that was the same (obviously), but a lot of his spontinaity and generally what people would consider ‘fun’ was long gone. But he didn’t miss it. To be quite honest, he was quite embarrassing back then. Sure, everyone in his fraternity was that way so they didn’t notice just how obnoxious they were…but it was a lot. Hollis simply grinned with a shake of his head, “I didn’t grow up until I was turned.” He admitted. All it took was losing all his friends and his humanity.

A fond smile crossed his lips as he thought back to first meeting. Honestly, he thought about it a lot. It was so…random. But it was perfect none the less. Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her lips for a few moments before he spoke, “I love you too.” There was no phrase more natural than that for him. He loved her more than anything. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t recognize that. Athena brought happiness out in him that Hollis didn’t even know was possible. Even during their worst moments, he would rather be there with her than anywhere else.

Pressing a kiss to her cheek, then her temple, he smiled as he looked around the area, “We’re in some strange alternate reality where I can walk without a limp. We should take advantage of it while we can. What trouble can we get into here?” They seemed to be notorious for it. Might as well keep their title.

🗡

Athena pursed her lips. The longer she knew Hollis the more obvious it became his wolf side upset him. Yet even he admitted it was that very change that made him grow up. Made him the man he was today, the man she was so very in love with. Would she have loved a human Hollis? Assuming she was also human and they could live a simple, boring human life together... Who was to say.

He admonished her with words and kisses a little giggle escaping her lips as he kissed her temple. She watched him look around the garden, cocking a brow curious as to what he was looking for. “Ah,” she chimed realizing now. “I see a bit of old college Hollis coming out,” she teased. Sure him being able to stand for longer was certainly.... intriguing. But instead Athena stood up and took his hand leading him away from the bench. “Let’s walk a little longer...” It was a beautiful garden, a beautiful night-- even if it was all an illusion or a dream or who knew what. “Give me some time to think about how to even get this dress off.” She smiled at him. 

They walked a while, moving further and further away from the estate where the ball was being held. Even away from the candles Athena could see Hollis clearly in the moonlight. It was full, or nearly full, another fantasy they could only live out here. Eventually she pulled him to her, both of them leaning rather quickly how to undress for the era...

[athena-decker]

bloodyroseandthorn·:

x

“Oh sweetheart, I absolutely want to flirt all day.” Rose smiled at the stranger. This night was truly looking up. Rose slowly raised one of her hands, with the palm pointed out and open to show that she intended no harm to Athena. Yet. But of course, she didn’t need to start with that. Tonight would not be the first night that aggression had turned to something else passionate.

“Perhaps if you’ll let me, I can take out my music? It’s drowning out your voice, and I do mean it when I say that I’d like to hear your voice without interruption.”

🗡

Since dating Hollis, Athena didn’t really have eyes for anyone else. Not that se was completely obvious to attractive people but they didn’t draw her in, not when she had her own tall, blue eyed blond to go home too. Still it was hard to deny in the alley with the moonlight beaming down on both of them that Rose was pretty. “Sorry, sweetheart, flirting isn’t going to get you out of this.”

Rose made a good point. With a huff Athena lowered her dagger to let Rose pull out her music. “Now that you’re actually listening, why don’t you talk? I don’t have to bring you in if you give up some info.” As bad as Rose’s crimes were she hadn’t hurt people the way some vampires did. The way any supernatural was capable of. 

[athena-decker]

babydecker·:

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“The fuck? And was I, a martian?” Fiona shot back automatically, a frown puckering her forehead as Athena pushed her, then snatched the cat from her arms. If it weren’t for Nara, Fiona would have probably started yet another fist fight with her sister. Aunt. Athena. “Jesus, Athena, for someone who went to college you’re shit at using your words,” she added before she could stop herself. Fiona tilted her head, taking in Athena’s expression. 

“Are you really crying over this? You were fucking terrible to me, you rip the cat out of my arms, and you’re crying?” Fiona demanded, shaking her head before moving to go to the kitchen. “I’m getting you chocolate,” the youngest Decker announced. “You are clearly on your period, and chocolate will help.”

🗡

“Shut up,” Athena pouted, hiding half her face behind Nara’s fluff. Fiona and her fought all the time but this was different. Fiona never really made Athena cry, not unless they were getting really nasty with each other. This had all been the standard bickering-- so why was she so upset? “He’s my cat!” Athena pointed out. “Worship him all you want he’s my baby.” Nara murped and looked at Athena with a confused look. The truth was Nara seemed to like Fiona just as much as he did her. Maybe it was just men he didn’t like... 

Athena watched Fiona head towards the kitchen, turning her body as she did. She frowned. “I am not on my period. I haven’t had my period...” As she spoke Athena realized not only hadn’t she gotten her period this month but she hadn’t gotten it last month either... She blinked, trying to remember the last time. December, before Christmas. Athena froze, feeling the blood leave her face. “Fiona....” she breathed, needing a bit of support. 

[nolandiazx]

Special Delivery For: @athena-decker

Sadness wasn't a feeling that Nolan felt often. In fact, he tried to avoid it. It made him feel icky. But it was the only proper response to Hayden leaving. She offered him a spot up in Toronto and he heavily considered it but...he just couldn't leave. He had people to look after in New York. She understood. Nolan knew the spot would be a standing offer. Along with their relationship. Nolan knew they would wind up together again. It just... wasn't the time. He figured that checking up on the other Decker siblings was a solid idea. Sure, he could have found Athena at the agency but Nolan was taking a vacation. It was hard enough to be there when Hayden stepped down. It was even harder when she wasn't there at all. So, he found himself at Athena's day job. The museum. Which he had never really been to. But there was a first for everything. Stepping inside the building, he looked around for a moment before he spotted her and wandered over with his hands deep in his pocket, "Hey, Curly Q." He smiled, "You got a minute? I wanna see this place. Seems like something I should knock off my bucket list." Nolan held a hand up and moved it as he spoke, "Go to a museum. Check." He made a check mark in the air for emphasis.

[athena-decker]

Keeping herself busy was always Athena’s go-to. It was hard to think about the castle, about her sister leaving, or even about Hollis being alpha when she was rewriting the plaques of an entire exhibit. She was still walking through the exhibit, making notes of what needed changing and what items should be switched out when a familiar voice called out to her. She didn’t even need to look to know it was Nolan. No one else called her by that nickname. She let out a dry chuckle at his terrible joke. Normally she might ask him if that was the best he could muster but it was clear Nolan wasn’t handling Hayden leaving very well. Then again if she had been pining over someone for a decade only for them to leave just a few months after finally getting together-- she’d also be pretty upset. 

So instead of railing on his joke she just walked over and pulled him into a hug. Nolan meant a lot to Hayden, meant a lot to Fiona too-- ergo he meant a lot to her as well. She pulled away from the hug and gave him a sideways glance. “I find it hard to believe this the first time you’ve visited a museum. Fiona says you and I are competing for Seraph’s Biggest Nerd. I think I win since she likes you better.” A little smile pulled at her lips. “Sure, I can show you around. You’ll probably pay more attention than the school groups I usually show around.”

[pearlcaddy]

LENNY BRUCE & MIDGE MAISEL The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?”

[athena-decker]

@thedarkestpartofhollis

[lucas-lowell]

DATE: February 14th, 2022 TIME: 00:37 AM LOCATION: Outside the castle

Luke ruffles his own hair glaring at the castle as if he could tear down the walls with his eyes. He spent hours looking for people, counting heads, and he can’t seem to find the goddamn vampire he is in charge of. The fact that Byrne is stuck inside the castle is driving him mad– not because he is worried about them, no. He is more worried about the others in there with them. That must be it, because it wouldn’t make sense for him to worry about Byrne. They are a menace to the society, why the fuck would he worry about Byrne? He should worry about his colleagues in there more. Too engrossed with his thoughts, though, Luke doesn’t notice the other seraph has walked up beside him. “Shit–” he flinches and quickly puts some distance between him and Decker. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.” He complains, crossing his arms. “Any update on entering the castle?”

@athena-decker​

[athena-decker]

Athena would be on edge but literally everyone was on edge. Agents were in the castle, two of Hollis’ pack members were inside, Rurairi was trapped-- and everyone else either knew the other victims of the poll or were feeling guilty about their choices. Not that Athena wasn’t feeling guilty as well but there were bigger issues at hand. She waltzed up to Luke, “do you think we should--” her friend jumped like she was a ghost about to tell him he needed to repent for his past. “Uh, really you should be congratulating me for being so sneaky,” she pointed out with a raised brow. Luke was acting nervous... Athena tried to think who inside he would be worried about. “Jace is going to be alright, he’s trained for this. Margot too,” she added just in case he was worried for her too. “The coven is working on it. Seraphs need to be in position for whenever whatever it is keeping us out is lifted. I think the pack is considering helping as well. Even so Lark is probably going to be the one breaking down the door. I’m just worried about what we’ll find inside...” She watched Luke closely still trying to figure out what was upsetting him.

[athena-decker]

Closed starter for @pulvisetlumbrasumus​

Athena was attempting paperwork but she just couldn’t focus. The events at the castle still hung in her mind... the feeling of uselessness and betrayal having to suggest people fight-- for what reason? Maybe she could let that all go (after all everyone in the castle had voted for someone to get hurt) but there was still Isra... She knew Kaan had been bad news but it was clear he made Isra happy which had to count for something. Just then she spotted Dilan across the hall and practically jumped out of her seat.

She rushed over, almost bumping into another pair of seraphs but managing to avoid them and catch up to Dilan. “Hey!” she called out getting the superior agent’s attention. “Can we... talk?” She realized that sounded bad. “As like, older sister to older sister?” She wondered if Dilan knew what this was about just from that statement. Obliviously Isra but could she figure out she wanted to talk about her and Kaan? “I know you’re busy...” she admitted sheepishly.

[athena-decker]

babydecker·:

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“What? He’s puffy, isn’t he?” Fiona pointed out. “That may be, sis, but I don’t recall Hayden ever pushing you down the stairs,” she shot back, grinning anyway. “Oh, that would be amazing! Then you could bring him to the agency for your shifts. Wouldn’t you want to visit us at work, Nara?” Fiona was gratified when Nara answered her with a meow. “See, he thinks so too.” The youngest Decker beamed up at Athena, not noticing that she didn’t seem to be feeling their usual bickering. “Do you think we could get him into a hoodie? Not for him to wear for a while, just long enough for a picture?”

🗡

“Always with the stairs!” Athena replied exasperated. “I pushed you like, once. And even if I did push you more then that I was a child!” Despite this being an argument they’d had a thousand times Athena felt tears start to weld up in her eyes. She quickly pushed them away with her palms before snatching Nara out of her sister’s hands. “He’ll do anything for treats,” she said before sniffling. “And his bites aren’t that bad. Sometimes when he’s aiming for Hollis he takes a bite out of me instead.” Nara began nuzzling against Athena’s neck, purring loudly. Athena felt her eyes begin to tear up again. 

[athena-decker]

bloodyroseandthorn·:

She had wanted to leave work much earlier than she’d eventually left. Granted she did leave at the time she was scheduled to do so, but it was such a long shift and she truly did not want to sit around a record store all day. However, Rose was trying harder to be better at work, especially with what had just recently happened. So she stayed until late, and set out into the night.

She didn’t notice the tail. She had Airpods in before even leaving, she couldn’t hear the footsteps or the breathing, or even sense the presence that was there. Her music was simply too loud. Hence why it was so shocking when she felt herself be grabbed and shoved into the alley. Perhaps tonight was better than she had expected.

Rose smiled at the woman. “Why, of course I’d like to sweet talk you. I am struggling, however, with knowing where to begin. Perhaps, since we are so close, I should just comment on how beautiful your eyes are?”

🗡

Being a seraph she knew the vampire couldn’t charm her the way she could a mortal. But the smirk that pulled at her lips told Athena this was going to be rough. “Thanks I got them from my deadbeat dad,” she spoke harshly. She could faintly hear the music from Rose’s airpods. Despite her words Athena actually lowered her knife some. Now letting the blade rest near Rose’s chest so she could stab her in the heart if needed. “Do you want to keep flirting or are you going to admit what you’ve done and come quietly? I’ll also accept taking you kicking and screaming back to the agency,” she offered. 

[athena-decker]

thedarkestpartofhollis·:

There were very, very few things that Hollis was thankful for when it came to his wolf. In fact, before Athena, there were honestly no reasons. But, she had a point. This was the only version of him she knew. If he hadn’t been…attacked and turned, they would have never met. Hollis would probably still be in California, never ready to settle down. She would be in Queens, dating someone else. So for once, the unfortunate event of his life had led to something good. For that, he could be thankful for it.

He grinned as spoke, “We both like a little bit of scandal.” Hollis joked, his arms staying wrapped around her middle as she rested her head on his shoulder. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, just admiring her for a few moments. Even though this was all a very strange dream, or…alternative reality, he could see the joy and excitement in her eyes and that really was something special. He was happy to be able to experience this moment with her, even if it was all just a show.

Listening to her speak about her college years, he smiled softly, nodding, “That sounds right.” He said simply. Athena didn’t drink and while you didn’t have to drink to party, it made it far more enjoyable. But, he didn’t take her for much of a party animal, anyway. At least not in the college sense of partying. College parties were, honestly, quite awful looking back at them. Hollis wasn’t even sure if he actually liked them or just liked to get drunk and have sex. It was probably the latter.

“I was the total opposite of that.” He laughed, shaking his head at the memories, “I pretty much left all my school work until the very last minute, every time and I still managed to ace all my papers.” It was a wonder how he did it, really, “Because most of the time, I was at frat parties or…any other party, really.” He could feel the embarrassment wash over him and he burrowed his face into Athena’s hair a bit, shaking his head, “But luckily, I grew up.”

Her whole face scrunched in distain when he mentioned leaving his work till the last minute.·“Oh God yeah. I would have hated you.” A light giggled escaped her lips as she shook her head.·“Really, I couldn’t stand it when people would just procrastinate and still get a good grade. I was a very mean TA,” she admitted.·“Party all night, sleep all day, do work whenever. Yup. I knew you in college,” she teased.·“Oh God-- in law school? Please tell me you’d grown up by then?” Though something told her he hadn’t. Hollis was smart, handsome, and charming-- things she loved and adored about him. But also things that surely helped him fly by in school.·

“I’m glad you grew up. I’m not sure a frat boy lawyer approaching me on my stoop in the dark would have had the same effect as well... you now.” She smiled at him, admiring him. It was still so funny thinking about their early relationship. Hollis buying her some of the best birthday gifts she’d ever received after only knowing her a half an hour. Asking her out without actually calling it a date.· Frat boy behavior it was not. She reached up and stroked his cheek.·“I love you,” she reminded him.·

[athena-decker]

Closed starter for @bloodyroseandthorn​

Athena was pretty sure she spotted the perp leaving Broken Record, a seemingly normal enough music store but of course nothing in New York was every really normal. It would be one thing if the store was just run by vampires but of course they couldn’t just follow the accords. There had been whispers about the manger... but Athena was more interested in one of the store’s employees. The red head wasn’t so different in stature to her... it might be a fair fight if it got that far. Though more than anything Athena just wanted information. 

Trailing the woman she waited till they passed an alleyway. Just when the woman stepped in front of the mouth of the alley, Athena took the opportunity, grabbing the woman’s shoulder and pushing her into the alley. It wasn’t as poorly lit as she would hoped but at least she could memorize the woman’s face. Athena held her dagger up to the woman’s throat, the hilt decorated with holy symbols and the blade made of silver. “I think you know why I’ve got you pinned like this,” Athena told Rose. “Or would you like to sweet talk me like you did that jeweler a few blocks from here?” 

[athena-decker]

babydecker·:

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Fiona let herself into Athena’s place, grinning when Nara was there almost instantaneously to greet her. The youngest Decker swept the cat into her arms, eagerly cuddling up to the fluffball. When she started asking him about her sister, he answered her back and she simply couldn’t resist. Instead of looking for Athena, or even announcing her presence, she was asking Nara about his day, thoroughly pleased as he kept meowing in response to her. Rather than answer Athena’s call, Fiona kept talking to the cat as she waited for her sister to join them. 

At Athena’s observation, Fiona merely rolled her eyes. “Right, because you announced yourself every time you broke into my apartment to steal my clothes?” It was a well-worn argument, one that came easily to her lips. “I wanted to see my god-cheetoh,  is that okay with you?” Fiona added, rolling her eyes as she cuddled the cat a little closer. “Jeez Nara, I’m glad you’re at least happy to see me. It would give me a complex if I didn’t have one already from all these years of being unwanted.“ Sarcasm laced her words as she shifted the cat in her arms. “He’s so soft, I don’t know how you let him go,” Fiona continued with a grin.

🗡

Nara’s tail swayed lazily as he looked at Athena, though he was clearly content in Fiona’s arms. “How do you know I didn’t? Not like you would have heard it.” It was their usual sister bickering that easily transitioned into normal conversation. Athena snorted, “god-cheetoh, my goodness.” She reached over to scratch Nara under the chin. The cat blinked slowly, living the best of his nine lives with two people giving in affection. Despite the heavy sarcasm in Fiona’s voice, something about it hit a nerve for Athena. “Pretty sure our whole family gave us a complex, Fiona.” Christopher had messed her up a good amount. Athena couldn’t imagine the decisions Hayden had to make when she was fifteen but that didn’t change what she did to Fiona. Fiona grinned and Athena crossed her arms over her chest still a bit miffed. “I would wear him in a baby carrier if I didn’t look like a crazy person,” she admitted. 

[athena-decker]

elenasinclair·:

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Elena had to admit that Athena was the first person who had believed in her abilities all day and hadn’t complained. “Well thank you for the compliment.” Actually giving the other woman a smile, the compliment did help up her confidence. “Well I promise I’ll make the photos and this as fun as possible.” In reality most of the photos had ended up pretty well anyways, it was just a few that had ended up well rather tragic. “Oh– well we can totally do a private photoshoot since the sexy photos for the calendar are really only for the singles anyways.” Elena explained, before grabbing the other camera that was off to the side. “They did tell me I could do couples photos so that’s what this one is for. More private for you all and the photos can be taken directly with you.” Pulling out a fresh memory card as she inserted it into the camera and got it ready. “Well what is he into? Nurses? Dancers? Or does he have any hobbies?”

🗡

Athena’s smile only grew as Elena assured her she could do a private photoshoot, promising her Athena wouldn’t end up as a spread in the calendar. Though that would be one hell of a surprise for Hollis. He didn’t really strike Athena as the jealous type but best to just keep this little photoshoot between them. And well, Elena. “Oh uh...” Athena felt her cheeks grow a bit warm. Talking so openly about this stuff was... not something she was ever super great at. Even with her girlfriend she wasn’t one to gab about her and Hollis’ sex life. “He likes reading and movies and he doesn’t have much time for either of them...” She said, answering Elena’s second question. “He’s-- we’re into uh...” Oh god this was embarrassing and the obvious blush along her cheeks just made it worse. “Secretaries. You know... Nothing too exciting.” It took all of Athena’s will power not to cover her face with her hands.

[athena-decker]

thedarkestpartofhollis·:

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It was not lost on Hollis that he didn’t talk much (or at all) about his family. Or much else from his past, to be honest. It wasn’t that it was a bad childhood or anything. In fact, it was pretty good. But he knew that if he did, Athena would grow curious and if she grew curious, he would have to tell her the thing he felt the most guilty about in his life and he really didn’t want to. But he supposed he could drop her some nuggets every blue moon, “I have three cousins.” He smiled, “All on my mom’s side.” Not that Hollis spoke to any of them anymore. Or really did in the first place. When he was ten, they were all in twenties already.

Hearing the slow to a stop, Hollis his hands remained where they were and he laughed with a nod, “I know, I know.” He muttered, “I’m sorry you got this version of me. I lost of a lot of my skill when my life got turned upside down.” Also, he rarely flirted after he was turned. Let alone dated. So it really was all just a disaster for Athena. The poor thing. Hollis must still have some of it or else she wouldn’t be interested in him, right?

His eyes caught her gaze and he turned to look at the garden. Holding her hand, he guided them through the hall and out the doors. The temperature was far better in the fake world than in was in New York, so Hollis was happy for that. Guiding Athena towards a bench, he sat down and immediately pulled her down with him to sit on his lap. Poofy dress and all, “You would have hated me in college.” Hollis nodded quite confidently.

🗡

“Oh stop,” she told him even if he was only teasing. “You’re the only version of you that I know. And I love this version. Why go changing it?” It was becoming abundantly clear that Hollis would be a different man if he hadn’t been turned all those years ago. It was even more clear that the change haunted him still... Selfishly Athena wouldn’t change a thing about Hollis’ past. If he had remained human they would have never met-- and even if they had it would never have worked. Athena had dated humans exclusively in college. When her partners asked what it was she was doing so late into the night she would freeze up not wanting to lie to them. Even if in the end that was all she could do. 

“Besides, if you were still a flirt you probably would have had a girlfriend during the blackout. Maybe even two girlfriends,” she teased. “Then again...” her hand slipped up his back and to the base of his neck where her fingers played with his hair, a simply flirty touch that she knew drove him wild. “I don’t think you’d have the energy for two girlfriends at your age.” She didn’t like when people commented on the age gap between them but it was of course different when she did it. Hollis was a bit of an old man but she liked that. 

As he pulled her towards the garden Athena giggled under her breath, still tickled about her fantasy come to life. She gasped as he pulled her into his lap, his eyes catching the light of the moon. “This is very scandalous you know. Me in your lap at this hour... without a chaperone.” She laughed, figuring whatever was happening the rules of The Season wouldn’t really apply to them. Though even if her reputation was ruined she figured Hollis would still love her anyway. Though marriage was always the end goal in her romances....

“Would I?” She asked, intrigued. “What makes you say that? Got some skeletons in your closet, love?” She rested her head on his shoulder, absentmindedly playing with the lace of his cravat. “I spent pretty much all my time in the library and if I wasn’t studding I had seraph things. My partners hated it. I think the longest any of them could stand it was... five months?”