hilo keahi.

prodigy. blacksmith. the forge.

[hilo--keahi]

15th September, 2024; evening Clubs district; the Hunter’s Lair Inauguration @nihtegalc​

Hilo hadn’t been entirely convinced the inauguration party ought to go forward as planned at first, wondering if there was something gauche in celebrating when two factions seemed to be teetering at a very precarious edge. Like most things, though, it wasn’t his call; it was Mallick’s, and whatever his personal misgivings, Hilo was nothing if not supportive of his old friend in everything.

So naturally, Hilo had been at the Hunter’s Lair early to help set up, the low buzzing of nerves neatly concealed under his stubbornly thick skin. He honestly didn’t even know what he was nervous about -- it wasn’t as if he expected the Spades to launch an all-out war while the Ace and his council were distracted with a party, of all things. Once the doors opened and the alcohol started to flow, Hilo managed to relax. Marginally, anyway. The third flagon of ale in his hand probably helped, even if it was notoriously difficult for Hilo to get properly tipsy.

Maybe being a father was making him a little bit paranoid and a little bit soft.

He’d spent time before the gathering proper to check in with the attitudes of a couple others on the council, and for the most part everyone seemed of a similar mind; tonight was a night to celebrate, and leave their looming concerns at the door. Hilo figured he could at least try and do the same.

Not having had the chance to speak with her earlier, Hilo eventually singles Fallon’s blonde head of hair out of the crowd, making his careful way over to her with an amiable smile and a nod. They’d barely been acquaintances before the council formed, but since then had developed what Hilo liked to think of as a fire-forged friendship. He also liked to think Fallon might feel the same way.

“Evening,” he greeted simply, finding an empty spot to lean his shoulder against the wall. His gaze cut back out over the gathering, admittedly pleased with the turnout. “Looking like a pretty good reception, don’t you think? In spite of things.”

[hilo--keahi]

MOON ARA​:

Ara laughed, an easy and loving sound, before remembering the slumbering toddler’s window was open and the voice of an actor did tend to carry. She covered her mouth with her fingers and glanced back, up towards the window, starring a moment as she watched for any signs of movement, listened for any cries. Satisfied that their daughter was still deep in sleep, she turned back to Hilo with a nod of her head. “You’re right about that. Based on the stories I’ve heard from Alamea, I’d blame you for it, but, well..” she flashed him a grin as she nestled herself into his side. “I think both of our wild streaks are now harbored in that one little body, gods help us.”

She shook her head and pressed a sweet kiss to his cheek before settling her head on his shoulder, eyes gazing up to the stars above them. A hand found his and she laced their fingers, turning slightly to gape at him. “Rather bold of you to assume that I haven’t already started teaching her the basics. She’s getting the hang of balancing already. And she likes twirling around with me.” A sigh and Ara turns back up to the stars, admitting with a softer tone, “I do think she’d benefit from some formal dance training though. Or maybe something acrobatic.  She’s about old enough to start, maybe in a few more months. Something to help her to learn to be swift on her feet, keep her limber. So she can have all the advantages available to her.” Just in case she needs more advantages. 

With Lana being so young yet, Ara wasn’t ready to fully discuss what trainings they should do with her, to prepare her for any eventual fighting she may do- whether she did it to raise her ranks or to protect herself in the event that the couple’s worst-case scenarios played out. It was something that the both of them had discussed, even if it’d been an uncomfortable conversation on Ara’s part, that their children needed to know how to defend themselves. The city was hash and dangerous enough as it was, and their combined political positions made it all that much more dangerous. No matter what Lana chose to do in her life, there’s always be some sort of target on her back. And there’d be a time in the future when Hilo and Ara weren’t with her. It was the reality they had to live around.

Ara’s mouth twisted into a frown with the thought, eyes still scanning the shapes in the stars. Then, on a lighter note, “Budrelda is already giving me shit about making sure ‘the child’s ankles are properly developed’. Unlike mine, of course.” She huffed as she mimicked the tone the joint-obsessed dwarf had used on her.

Settling his cheek gently against the crown of Ara’s head, Hilo ignored the stars for a moment as he closed his eyes instead, exhaling softly as Ara’s hand slipped so comfortably into his, interlacing their fingers. To him, this was perfect. A comfort he’d known before but had never dared hope for again, and one that could only build and improve as the years they had together stretched on. Whatever challenges they faced, they faced together, and Hilo knew there was nothing he couldn’t face without Ara at his side.

“Something acrobatic,” he echoed with a clear but amused skepticism. “I already have to put up with one of you flying through the air, does it really have to be both?” Hilo grinned and turned his head enough to press a lingering kiss to Ara’s hair, then turned his attention up towards the stars. He felt small but not insignificant, not with his daughter sleeping peacefully upstairs and his wife settled so comfortably against him, the blessing of a goddess fortifying the red thread of fate that connected their hearts. There was nowhere else that Hilo belonged so much as here.

“Budrelda will still be slandering your ankles on her deathbed. You know this, I know this. Bestram probably knows this.” Hilo slipped his hand from Ara’s, catching her chin to tilt her head back and dot a quick kiss to her lips. He nodded towards the reclining portion of the chair. “Lay back.”

Pushing himself further back on the seat, Hilo waited for Ara to recline before taking her legs in his lap, removing her shoes one at a time and letting them drop to the deck. With a hand under one of her feet, Hilo lifted her leg to press a kiss to her ankle. “Your ankles are perfect, no matter what Budrelda says,” Hilo promised with a slow grin as he lowered her foot to his lap again, carefully starting to massage the stiffness he could feel in her arch. He doubted Ara really took the slights to heart, but the simple fact of the matter was he’d never turn down an opportunity to compliment her. “Besides, with the pile of toys Bestram has made for Lana at this point, I think the Beryls have a net positive in this household. Don’t you?”

He paused, though, thinking of the other day when Lana had managed to splinter the edge of the kitchen table with a fortified rattle. “Some of those might, uh. Be a little passive-aggressive in nature, though.”

[hilo--keahi]

ZUIHUO JOUI​:

And in instant the expectation and glee vanished from his features, a soft hold of his smile remained. He lowered the oversized plush to his side, stepping within the home with a hum. “Well it is good practice to chose one’s own rest over all else, especially at her young age”, he said then gawked at the offer to wake the young strongarm. That returned his grin as he handed over the plush. “Never”, he voiced solidly. “While my own son has not her strength, the screams of a toddler rip deep within the mind, regardless the species”, he said then shook his head. “Let the darling rest, I may wait”, he said smiling boyishly at the older strongarm.

“Oh the Pegasus”, he said looking to the plush, then mentioning the ingredients of herbs and spices with gentle natural scents within and their intent. “Hopefully if she does ever get woken or rattled, poor dear, it can help and start her off on a collection like her mothers. Do tell Ara, this one is not for her”, he said amusing himself. 

He sighed and let his eyes wonder around the home. The silence, lacking the soundtrack only a child can give urged questions and curiosities to the surface. His eyes moved back to the Club, the questions forming outcomes from assumed answers and planned reactions within his mind. But the boyish smile returned, Joui moving closer to Hilo. “Now this is our date”, he said with a grin. “Sayge is not the jealous time, my sweet”, he teased, a memory of one Airang floating through his thoughts.

“I have an enchanted block of ice coming and a well mannered team of elementalists, for sweating I do not do. Pour me something delightful and lets make wonderful memories, away from the heat, or with it”, he teased further.  

‘The screams of a toddler rip deep within the mind.’ The dramatics of the phrasing thoroughly amused Hilo, because Joui certainly wasn’t wrong. He simply chuckled and nodded his agreement, accepting the pegasus that seemed to be just as big as Lana -- if not bigger -- and smelling sweetly of florals. “I’ll do my best to make sure she doesn’t commandeer it, but you know I can’t make any promises.”

Once they were out of sight of Joui’s gilded entourage it was a little easier to settle into the pattern of old friends, and not a two of Clubs and Ace of Hearts. Hilo smiled to himself and shook his head as he led the way down the hall to the kitchen, passing the closed door of the room that housed their family shrines. In a different time he might’ve -- no, would’ve -- flustered under Joui’s light jokes and attention, but the familiar, comfortable weight of the beautifully crafted dagger around his neck brought to mind different reminders.

“Lady Sayge is right not to be jealous; even if I wanted to, I’m sure I couldn’t compete.” As they reached the kitchen, Hilo gestured for Joui to sit wherever he liked before setting the plush pegasus on a nearby table to supervise. He looked to his old friend with a smile as he crossed to the counters, shaking his head. “For several different reasons.”

In preparation of the Ace’s visit, Hilo had made a point to figure out what sweet juice concoction Eva had brought him and Lana on their last picnic, thinking it’d be a suitable offering for Joui. He poured a neatly crafted ceramic cup’s worth for both of them, setting Joui’s on the far side of the counter before busying himself with carefully selecting and artfully slicing a couple of pieces of fresh fruit. “How is your family, Joui? Everyone well?”

[hilo--keahi]

Insects: Name something your muse finds gross or annoying.

Mushrooms. Hilo can't stand the smell, taste, or texture. He's all about vegetables and variety in his cooking, but you'd better believe there's never a mushroom to be found in the Keahi-Moon household.

[hilo--keahi]

Abandonment: How would your muse win back someone who left them?

Hilo would approach it as thoughtfully and critically as possible: why did they leave? If it was his fault, how can he do better? He wouldn't push for answers to the point of discomfort but he would want to know more, and then he'd try and take the necessary steps to remedy the situation: apologies, recompense, whatever he felt the situation and the person deserved. He wouldn't be able just to let it go if there was any chance it was his fault and that he could make amends.

[hilo--keahi]

crowds; the unknown

What does your muse prefer, the action of Downtown Diamonds and the Circle, or the quiet away from it?

Having grown up in such an enormous family, Hilo is a tried and true extrovert and will always prefer company over spending time alone. He may be something of a controversial figure in Downtown Diamonds, being a very recognizable Club married to one of their Aces, but he doesn't frequently let that get to him.

Does your muse have a deity they believe in?

Hilo has two, since it's difficult not to believe in deities you've spoken to personally. His belief is probably strongest in Aphrodite, since that was a vision and experience he shared with Ara that has blessed their relationship since. Fuku feels like a more tenuous connection, having originally come to him in a dream even if Hilo did later hear the deity's voice while waking. There are shrines to both deities in the household he shares with Ara, and Hilo prays at both regularly.

[hilo--keahi]

Blood, Curses

What’s the worst injury your muse has ever had?

Hilo lost an arm once, elbow-down, during a particularly brutal fight against a talented earth elementalist. It took weeks ( and a fair amount of coin ) to recover and have the limb regrown. Hilo jokes that the most inconvenient part of it was having to redo the tattoos.

Does your muse believe in good/bad luck? How about karma?

Yes and yes. As a Club he has an exceptionally strong sense and code of honor, and is a firm believer in 'do unto others.' He may not at this point fully understand what it was that led HIM to curse him, but assumes there must be some higher purpose for it.

[hilo--keahi]

Failure: Has your muse ever given up on an important dream?

Becoming Ace, of course. This is why Hilo's work with the Club council is so important to him, and why he works so hard to make a difference with his place on it. It's the closest he'll ever get to the kind of power needed in his faction to enact meaningful change for the lowranked.

[hilo--keahi]

Fire: Would your muse rather be very cold, or very hot?

Hilo truly doesn't mind either! He's used to the sweltering heat of the Forge ( lucky them, since it means he's continued to work through this heatwave ), and when it's cold he's enough of a self-generated furnace not to care. If anything, Hilo prefers the cold because it's the perfect excuse to keep Ara close.

[hilo--keahi]

Tell us about Hilo’s rank!

Hilo is married to an Ace and could easily defect to Diamonds, why hasn’t he? What is his reasoning for staying in a faction where he will always rank low? Has this subject been broached with Ara?

Hilo and Ara have had this discussion more than once, but less and less often as time goes on. It’s always in the back of his mind as an option, but one he doesn’t intend to take unless there’s a pressing need. His entire family are Clubs. None have ever defected, even if they married into another faction as he has. For the Keahi family, the rank means less than the Club symbol itself and the honor it implies. Even for a faction that would never let a gaggle of simple humans -- or one disabled Strongarm -- rise too high in their ranks, there’s still a belief in what the Clubs stand for: self-rule by a code of honor.

For the Club council, too, Hilo views his lower rank as important; necessary, even. It shows that not only does Mallick have a vested interest in having lowranked representation on his council, but also that lowranked opinions can be just as important. To inflate his rank falsely or unnecessarily would negate his whole purpose for being there: as a voice and point of outreach for the lower ranked and less fortunate of his faction.

When his wife was pregnant, did that change or sway either of their feelings on the subject? Now that Lana has been born a Two of Clubs, how does he feel?

The day Hilo learned Ara was pregnant was the day Hilo seriously started to consider defection.

Despite the loyalty he has for his faction and the honor system he himself believes in, Hilo is more than well enough aware -- firsthand, even -- that not everyone in Clubs sticks to the code. There are plenty who are brutal for the sake of brutality, and the last thing he wants in this world is for his daughter to be subjected to that.

His concerns were shelved for a while, assuaged by his wife’s reassurances that they would both do everything in their power to protect her and keep her safe, but the same feelings inevitably bubbled up again when he saw his own rank and faction reflected on Lana’s wrist in the days following her birth.

Even so, the plan is as it was when he and Ara first discussed it: Lana’s choice is ultimately her own. Hilo hopes that, even if she opts to change factions at fifteen and ends up marked as a defector, there will still be some part of her that’s proud to be marked both as a Club ( even a former one ) and a Diamond, for each of her parents. Despite the fact he’d likely never defect himself, Hilo has never seen the defection symbol as a point of shame. Peoples’ reasons are their own -- like Eva’s -- and he would only ever want to afford Lana her own choices in life.

[hilo--keahi]

MOON ARA​:

She hummed in content, leaning into every touch he gave her, grateful for the physical connection. It was needed, that grounding, tethered sort of feeling she found in his touch. In his presence. It relaxed her, kept her from getting too far into the dark corners of her own mind. It was part of what made them such a successful team: their ability to keep each other from getting too wrapped in what, ultimately, wasn’t their first priority. So, she decided to abandon that darkness that had begun to consume her, wracking her with guilt over things that, like he’d implied, couldn’t be changed. 

With a sigh, she pulled away enough to cup his face into her hands, a gentle smile on her lips. “You’re too good at this, you know that?” With barely a thought, Ara summoned her mana and lifted herself the inches she needed until she could rest her forehead against his, murmuring lightly, “It’s not fair.” 

She pressed a sweet kiss to his nose and the top of his head before pulling back further, her hands sliding down to his shoulders and down his arms as she lowered herself back to the ground, stopping to take hold of his hands. Her smile shifting to something more playful. 

“Come, sit with me.” The night, warm as it may be, was clear enough to make out the various constellations over their part of the sky. It was quiet and calm and exactly what they needed to just simply relax with each other. “I think I’ll take tomorrow off, in any case. I’m not needed anywhere, and my co-director can take over for me at the theatre.” Ara turned to walk towards one of the lounging chairs on their large deck, casting a quick glance at the dimly lit window of the nursery. Turning back to Hilo, she sat on the edge of the chair, leaving room for him to get himself settled first before she inevitably settled into him. “Maybe we could go on a picnic? Just the three of us. The wildflower field is still in bloom, we could let Lana run around and have some fun.”

‘You’re too good at this, you know that?’ Hilo simply hummed in reply as he smiled, teasing and secretive, but it was no secret why he was ‘too good’ at this: all he wanted was for Ara to be happy. For his family to be happy. He didn’t want the times they were apart to overshadow the times they were together, and he didn’t want to waste the precious years they had on ‘should’ve’ and ‘could’ve’.

Hilo nodded and straightened from his lean, taking only a moment to tend the fire back to embers before closing it behind iron doors to sleep until he needed it next. He was only slightly stiff as he followed Ara to the deck, largely able to ignore it in favor of running the flat of his palm down her back with an easy smile.

“I think that sounds perfect,” he agreed easily, settling carefully down next to her with a quiet whirring of the joints of his bracers, arm slipping around Ara to pull her close again and press a kiss to her temple.

“Whatever that child ends up being later in her life, it’s going to be active.” Hilo chuckled, knowing Ara was already more than well enough aware of this. He already had complicated enough thoughts that she was born a Club like he was, like his family, but there was still a distinct, inevitable pride in the symbol for him. Hilo knew his daughter could be gentle and she could fight, if she chose. If nothing else, he’d rest easily knowing that no matter what, Lana would be able to defend herself.

“How young do they start kids in dance classes?” Hilo mused, figuring Ara would know much better than he as he tilted his head back towards the sky. He only knew at what age a weapon was put in his hands, and it was younger than he wanted for his daughter. That training could always come later.

[hilo--keahi]

september || meme

Spiders: Does your muse squish bugs or put them outside?

The Dark: Did your muse sleep with a mana nightlight as a child?

Snakes: Would your muse ever keep an unusual/exotic pet?

Blood: What’s the worst injury your muse has ever had?

Clowns: Does your muse prefer comedy? Or horror?

Mirrors: What is your muse’s least favorite thing about their appearance?

Tight Space: Does your muse ever feel that they’re not living up to their own potential?

Closet Monsters: What is one thing your muse does that identifies them with their species? Their faction?

Crowds: What does your muse prefer, the action of Downtown Diamonds and the Circle, or the quiet away from it?

Death: What does your muse consider the worst way to die?

Ghosts: Has your muse ever seen something they couldn’t explain?

Needles: Does your muse have a strong stomach?

Curses: Does your muse believe in good/bad luck? How about karma?

Heights: Is your muse a risk-taker?

Solitude: Name 3 things your muse couldn’t live without.

Fire: Would your muse rather be very cold, or very hot?

Failure: Has your muse ever given up on an important dream?

Abandonment: How would your muse win back someone who left them?

The Unknown: Does your muse have a deity they believe in?

Boogeyman:  Name one thing your muse has lost that they wish they could get back.

Falling: What does your muse think about falling in love or commitment?

Change: What was a turning point in your muse’s life?

Disease: What does your muse do on a sick day?

Number 13: Does your muse believe any superstitions?

Noise: Name one sound your muse finds absolutely unbearable.

Insects: Name something your muse finds gross or annoying.

Dolls: Has your muse ever collected something?

Getting Old: Would your muse rather live 50 years loved, or 200 years alone?

Social Phobia: What’s one thing your faction does you could do without?

[namakaeham]

[hilo--keahi]

ZUIHUO JOUI​:

a question of honor

Saturday August 21 1:40pm

Promises were ever to be kept. Honor is in keeping one’s word. Joui was raised with such as the foundation of his being. If he said he would, then it was as good as done. Some would say the honor of his pledge could not be given to those so far beneath him, yet another would counter that all fell under such ranking. He did not agree, not completely, to such discussions, instead only gave his word to those he cared enough to bestow the honor.

One little strongarm earned that privilege at first glance, at first hold, at first moment watching her gentle eyes close and sleep take her in peace. Lana, first born to the only couple he regarded as appropriately suited in Kadeu, save he and his beloved Saaka, had such a grip on his heart. 

He could see it now. When she aged and the suitors came knocking. The first time some fucking numbskull broke her heart, he would take immense pleasure carving her name into every piece of flesh of that bastard’s being then replaying the agony tenfold until death was granted. But slowly, for as long as his precious godchild ached for the loss of that affection, so would the ingrate suffer. 

And that too he pledged his honor on.

But that was not yet their present. Now he sat holding the oversized pegasus, the light aroma soothing even he. Within the plush creature was herbs meant to calm and relax even the most frightful of tantrums. For Joui had also pledged to visit and always carry a gift. Some were purely because he couldn’t resist bunny hooded capes and patching booties, and others enchanted bracelets to seal away the unmastered strength within her. For while one parent could take the tiny fury within those palms, another could not, and yes, neither could he. That could not keep both parents, and yes, he, from holding and enjoying just the smile on her face and warmth she gave with ease.

The carriage stopped, footmen opening the door and the High Fae could have glid from the carriage to the door. Ahead of him an attendant and butler already announced his presence, though the sound of his gilded carriage and 12 guards on horseback sometimes did that for him. 

Out and holding the pegasus baring his face, he moved off of memory, white silk shirt loosely moving around from design and the passing breeze, a blessing in the heat. Loose white trousers moved as well, his jacket held by a butler behind him. The hem and waist of his trousers glistened under the sun, the coils of dragons dancing around him, small winged creatures aside the creature. On the collar, the head of the dragon calmly sat, peaceful, almost smiling, a soft gaze such a creature rarely gave. WIthin his hair, intricate coils and scales held his hair back, the coils forming a singular S, his hair then tucked over his left shoulder.

“Now where is my precious”, Joui sang as he approached the door.

There were a lot of things Hilo had gotten used to over the past couple of years, living as he now did across the border in Diamonds territory -- but this particular recurring event wasn’t one of them.

He was always glad to see Joui; that would never change, regardless of the ranks they held, the districts they called home, the life changes they both went through. Hilo only felt wildly out of his element when he answered the front door instead of a servant and was greeted with the highest-ranked Heart’s grand entourage, light-catching carriage and armor impossible to miss in the early afternoon sun. He felt out of place here, welcoming an Ace on another Ace's doorstep. Hilo drew his hands to clasp behind his back, unable to suppress the urge to conceal the Club markings stamped across his hands and wrists.

Why he bothered to fear anyone’s judgement at this point, who knew. Maybe it was simply one of the rare times Hilo was so starkly reminded of the rank disparity between him and his wife, and him and one of his dear friends. But likely it didn’t matter, so when he welcomed Joui up the stairs to their household, it was with a genuine laugh and the door pushed wide open.

“It’s bad news I’m afraid, your excellency. Your afternoon appointment has decided to shirk all responsibility and… sleep through her engagement.” Hilo had just gotten Lana down for a nap after lunch when normally she would’ve been asleep and awake again by now, but: “She’s fickle like that, I guess.”

Gesturing Joui inside, Hilo held his hands out in an offer to take the gift the Ace of Hearts had brought. “You’re welcome to wake her if you like,” he added, though not without a hint of warning in his tone. “But I won’t be held responsible for the aftermath.” An aftermath even the sweetest-fragranced of gifts wouldn’t be able to soothe.

[hilo--keahi]

MOON ARA​:

Ara could only nod her head at Hilo’s attempt at chastising her. It may not have sounded like a proper one, but she still felt it’s weight. Her eating habits, known and set in as they may be, were still a work in progress. They’ve never been what anyone would call consistent or balanced, but for the past couple of years- especially during her pregnancy- she’s genuinely been trying to not get so wrapped up in her work that she skip a meal. And while tonight hadn’t been exactly her fault, she’d eaten what all she had, she knew it would still worry Hilo. As he always did. But she’d apologized too much already, all she could do now was resolve to do better. 

She chuckled as Hilo went over their day, her smile growing with each gentle brush of his caring touch on her forehead. Like mother, like daughter. Only, thankfully, Lana’s idea of messing up the bathroom involved toys and water and the occasional sweet smelling bubbles flung in the air- as opposed to the wind-scarred demolition that Ara was responsible for. 

Her smile dropped with her husband’s next words. 

‘You’re going to miss things.’

The squeeze at her waist didn’t soften the blow as much as she knew he wanted it to. She shifted her weight on her feet, as much as she could while still perfectly nestled in Hilo’s arms. They’d had this talk so many times already, and though it tugged at all of her emotions, she knew they’d likely have this talk multiple times until Lana and whomever else they brought into the world were old enough to go to school. And likely even after that. 

Though they stung at her eyes, she forced herself to old the tears back. Previous conversations of this topic had already been filled with too many of them. A hand came up from around Hilo’s waist and it’s fingers raked through her hair as she took a breath, releasing it with a small nod and more of a sigh than she had intended to. She met his eyes again with a gentle smile. 

“The work we both do, Hilo.” For as proud as he was of everything she was doing in her new position and rank, Ara was equally as proud of him. She knew how badly he’d always wanted to be part of a solution to the problems that consistently plagued their city. And thanks to Mallick, he’d finally gotten the chance to do so. The chance he’d deserved. “You’re right, I know. Whatever sacrifices we have to do now, will be well worth it if by the time Lana-” Her smile deepened as she added, “and however many siblings we give her- are fifteen, they have their choice between two factions that are worthy of them.” She takes another deep breath as she rests her cheek onto Hilo’s slightly rough chest. It was her turn to murmur, “It doesn’t make the present any easier though.”

The glisten of tears that pricked at Ara’s eyes, however brief, wasn’t lost on him. Hilo’s heart twisted, but he didn’t regret his words. They were words they both needed to hear every now and then; they were both good parents, great, even, but they weren’t infallible.

Besides, it was often on his mind that she could be missing things now, but he’d likely be missing so much more later. This was the price of having children who were liable to outlive you by at least a hundred years, likely more. But these were thoughts Hilo resolutely kept to himself; things that couldn’t be changed, no matter how much either of them would want to.

Hilo’s smile broadened to match Ara’s as she qualified with ‘and however many siblings we give her,’ which was likely no surprise since Hilo, grand as his own family was, was never shy about just how much he wanted their little family to grow. Still, there were hurdles they both needed to get over before then, and some of them were clearly mental.

Nuzzling a lingering kiss into the hair at Ara’s temple, Hilo murmured softly in agreement. “I know. I do. But what’s important is that she knows you’re here for her, which she does. And I know you’re here for us. And that’s something that we’ll always know.” His hand brushed a few wayward strands of hair from Ara’s face, a deceptively simple gesture that Hilo had to inject a lot of carefulness into. “Because we’re a family, my heart. And an evening spent working late every now and again will never change that.”

[hilo--keahi]

EVA SANTIAGO​:

Eva waved off Hilo’s apology, completely unconcerned for their tardiness. “I figured you’d get here eventually,” she reassured before offering a sly grin. “Figure a guy your age needs a little extra time to get where he needs to go—oof!” Her last words ended with a puff of air as Lana tumbled into the Shifter’s waiting arms. Eva could feel the press of tiny hands on her neck and face, chubby legs kicking excitedly (though Eva wouldn’t be able to tell you if that was her or Lana), and high squeals of delight that had the Shifter doing something she rarely did—reverting her bat ears back into human ones.

Despite the care that Eva now had to take in having her bat ears out now that she was around a very loud little person, it didn’t stop her from reciprocating. She hugged the baby tighter to her body, knowing the little Strongarm could take it and screamed right along with her. Eva felt the air shift as Hilo settled down near her and Little Lana, but she remained laid out in a heap with the baby, both of them too comfortable and giddy with excitement to want to move. But Hilo’s comments convinced her to sit up, though she kept Lana in her lap, letting her squirm until she comfortable.

“Oh ho! Cake! We’re feasting today, Lana!” Eva reached out a hand, skimming the edges of each bag and container, pulling what she wanted from each pile and setting it on a Spade-issued travel bowl she’d brought with her. She poured the tropical drink into little cups, one for Hilo, one for Little Lana, and one for herself. The Shifter exhibited self-control by not reaching for the dessert first, instead grabbing for one of the snacks Hilo had laid out. Eva rested her head on top of Lana’s as she munched away on some crackers, offering a slice of apple to Lana with her free hand.

“Trust me, you both will,” Eva responded after swallowing her bite. “I might have had a few sips before you got here. But don’t worry,” she quickly interrupted herself, “I saved some for Ara too! Got her cup right here because like mother like daughter, right?” She gestured toward a small canteen with poor lettering spelling out Ara’s name. Eva didn’t dwell on the passing thought that she couldn’t relate to that saying, instead focusing on the here and now. “But you know, Little Lana here is pretty similar to you too, Hilo. Like a mini teddy bear!”

.

While there would likely be plenty who didn’t agree with the assessment upon looking at him -- a disabled, lowranked Club -- Hilo knew better than anyone how lucky he actually was. Every day over the past three years had been better than the last, and even though life was far from uncomplicated for the Keahi-Moon household and for Kadeu in general, Hilo was grateful. Grateful for moments like these that he could spend an easy time in the warm sun with his family (because Eva was obviously considered as much).

He grinned easily as he watched the two of them together, unable to keep a soft chuckle from bubbling up his chest that was well eclipsed by the squeals coming from both Lana and Eva’s mouths. Hilo let the two of them have their moment, picking himself out a sandwich and one of the juices Eva had endorsed -- and it was delicious, if a little sweeter than Hilo himself usually preferred.

Smile still plastered across his face ( where it’d likely stay for the rest of this visit ), Hilo nodded and took a bite of sandwich. “That’s definitely Ara’s kind of flavor,” he agreed. Anyone who knew his wife even a little knew her penchant for sweets. “I’ll be sure she gets it. Bought her some extra cake, too.” Naturally; he nodded towards a neatly ribboned white box, stowed as far in the shade as he could manage.

Hilo let his back sink into the support of the tree behind him, sighing out contentedly. “She definitely would’ve come if she was able, but you know how it goes.” He smiled absently, watching Lana try to squish the half-eaten apple slice in her hand only to stare at it in mild confusion when she couldn’t. “But she wanted me to let you know she misses you. We’ll all have to find a time to get together soon.”

And speaking of work: “How’s your work going?”

[hilo--keahi]

MOON ARA​:

She grinned at his greeting, her heart fluttering, stomach twisting like it always did- has always done- when he looked at her like he was now. Like she was the only person in the whole world. Her eyes, for their part, not-so-subtly scanned his bare upper body as she set the glasses down. 

His accusation, joking as she knew it be, made her eyes meet his again. She laughed, albeit a little nervously since he’d all but called her out, and stepped into his arms, her own wrapping tightly around him. He knew her and her habits too well. As she knew him, and what would earn her some forgiveness.

“I ate! Sort of.” As much as some fancy bread and cheese counted as eating. She gave him a sweet, sheepish smile. “I’ll have some of the leftovers before we go to bed, alright? Just let me enjoy this for a while, please.” Enjoy this, being here in his arms, being home.

Ara leaned up and pressed her lips to his in a slow kiss, letting her body relax against his. Her mind tracked every move his hands made as he encircled her.  She could feel his natural warmth through the thin fabric of her shirt. Combined with the warmth of the evening, it was nearly too much for even her. But it didn’t matter. She needed this, needed him and the comfort he always brought her. A hand lifted to softly caress his cheek as she pulled back from the kiss, sweet smile still ever-present. Her eyes searched his, memorizing every color shift as if she hadn’t already. “Hello, my love.” She started simply, dropping her hand from his cheek and wrapping the arm back around him. She laid her cheek on his chest, over his heart, and hummed contently. “I missed you today- both of you. I checked on Lana before coming out here, she’s fine but..” A pause, the guilt creeping up from that pit in her stomach again. “I’m sorry I missed bedtime.” She angled her head up so she could look at his face. “How were things today?”

Hilo had known it was coming the moment Ara had messaged ahead that she’d be missing dinner, but even now all he had in response was a gentle shake of his head. “Don’t do that,” Hilo murmured, words and tone too soft to be a proper chastisement. “Don’t do that to yourself. It’s okay.”

He knew -- largely thanks to a number of conversations they’d already had on the topic, and would likely continue to have -- that there wasn’t much he could do to keep Ara from feeling guilty other than try to reassure her. So, try to reassure her he did, inclining his head to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. “We missed you, too. We played some games, made an absolute mess of the bathroom…” Hilo smiled softly and shook his head again, brushing a few strands of hair back from Ara’s forehead.

“You’re going to miss things.” There was no use sugarcoating it, even as he gave Ara’s waist a gentle squeeze to soften his words.

“But what you do is so important for the city she’s going to grow up in. And Lani deserves a city that we’ve both done everything we can to make better,” Hilo knew in no uncertain terms. It was why he wouldn’t give up his place on the Council and why he knew Ara would never give up her position as Ace, or the work she did with Wing Theatrics. And it was exactly why he was so proud of the work she did, and that she wouldn’t give it up.