mortalrelics

hades zika haneul pendragon written by s for godscobhhq

[allxtted]

Hook didn't have many "friends" in his line of work, just some people he trusted more than others. He typically looked forward to the niceties exchanged between him and Mayor Zika, a powerful connection he was glad to have made as a young man. It wasn't helping much nowadays, though, and he was starting to get frustrated.

"So much for 'friends in high places'," James hung his coat up carefully as he walked into the man's office. It was too clean in here, and the captain bristled at how formal everything was.

"Care to explain why there are cops swarming my ships like flies as of late?"

@mortalrelics

[mortalrelics]

Hades didn’t look up immediately, though the corner of his mouth twitched at Hook’s entrance. He wasn’t meant to see any more people today, but the man’s visit didn’t really surprise him. “James,” he greeted, leaning back in his seat. “Always a pleasure. Though, I don’t like it when people barge in here without an appointment.” 

Hades knew the situation at the port was getting a little intense, and he was trying to work something out. He understood Hook’s frustration, of course, but working on a solution when someone was breathing down your neck about it was a little… irritating. “I’m working on it.” He said, sitting up a little more in his seat. He watched Hook carefully before continuing.  “What are they doing? And more importantly, what have they found?” 

[acommonfairy]

“Oh, perfectly reasonable,” she quipped in return. “When else are you going to find the streets this peaceful?”

She shook her head in response to his question. “It’s not. I locked up the shop a while ago and headed home, but I couldn’t sleep, so it was either go insane staring at the walls of my apartment or take a walk.”

A little bit of honesty but a careful side-step of her other job and the work she’d done in the time between closing and going home.

“What about you? Just getting done with work or taking a walk for other reasons?”

[mortalrelics]

Hades shrugged his shoulders. “Both, if I’m being honest,” he said with an exhale that could have been a small laugh or just acknowledging the absurdity of it all. “Night time is the perfect time to clear your head with a walk.” Honestly, some nights sitting alone in the manor was driving him crazy. The building was too big to seem claustrophobic, but at the same time the walls had a way of closing in there too. “There are no expectations, no decisions to make, no appearances to maintain…” Hades shot her a playful sideways glance. “Well, I guess except for you. But you don’t usually have that high expectations of me that I know of.” 

Hades paused a moment, before looking up at Tinley again. “Any reason you couldn’t sleep, or just one of those nights?” 

[acommonfairy]

“Well, finding special things is what I do,” Tinley said, giving him a playful, confident grin. She loved this—getting to share something interesting she’d found with someone who would fully appreciate its beauty and artistry. “I had to make sure these went to someone with good taste,” she said as she lifted the box.

She nodded as he talked about adding color to his wardrobe, pleased to find that she’d been on the money in setting these aside for him. “Right. You don’t want to be tacky, but you don’t want to be boring either. It’s a hard balance to strike.” She held the box out to him with a flourish. “These should help.”

[mortalrelics]

Haneul accepted the box carefully, peering into it to see colours he used to love wearing. “Tacky is my worst nightmare,” he said with a slight laugh as he set the box down on the counter to pick up some of the scarves to examine closer. “I fear I’m closer to the boring side these days. Too neutral and safe.” The problem was that boring was what he could afford when he had to invest in new clothes.

Haneul examined the scarves, his eyes lighting up. The colours, the texture, the way the silk felt in his hands - Tinley had really nailed it. “These are perfect,” he said and nodded, lifting one more scarf out of the box to examine. “This emerald one especially. I have a jacket it’ll fit beautifully with.” He mused, already assigning each scarf to a piece of clothing he already owned. “How much do you want for them?” he asked Tinley, reminding himself not to get ahead of himself before he had a price. “I know we’re friends, but don’t undersell it. I know what silk is worth.” 

[childofhcll]

Lorcan's whole face could've scrunched up in discomfort in that moment. He really wasn't trying to ruin Haneul's night, week, or anything like that. This was just a job. A part of the job he fucking hated, but a part of it nonetheless. He wasn't here to make someone do something they didn't want to do. Although Lorcan obviously didn't really take any moral issue with using pixie dust, anyone with two brain cells to rub together could see how awful Haneul felt to be confronted about it. This was not what Lorcan had signed up for.

Well, technically speaking, Lorcan hadn't signed up for any of this. He was forced into it the same way Haneul might be if they didn't produce a solid excuse for getting him out of the mob's books.

"I don't have anything on me, don't worry," Lorcan stayed looking at the paintings on the walls, well aware of how twitchy the other man was getting at where they stood, "I'm not trying to cause trouble, man, and I'm really sorry. I wouldn't have come knocking if I had a choice in it. But if you're not buying for me anymore, you'll want to keep an eye out for Hook, or I dunno, maybe Pan. The others who are gonna try to reel you back in." Lorcan didn't think his bosses would do the dirty work themselves, but you never know, "They don't tell you this when you start, but they make it hard to quit. Not just the dust, all of it."

[mortalrelics]

Haneul let out a sigh, and looked up at Lorcan. The man seemed reluctant, maybe there was also a hint of sympathy, which made Haneul feel both better and worse. He gestured for Lorcan to follow him deeper into the gallery, and away from the entrance, where it would be less likely for them to be overheard if someone else should walk in. 

“I appreciate the warning,” he said once they were deeper into the gallery. His fingers traced along the edge of a nearby pedestal, needing to feel it under his touch to ground himself. “Though, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it.” Honestly, with the situation being what it was it was  hard to imagine how he was going to get away from the scene all together. This also added a whole new layer of anxiety to the situation. 

With another sigh, Haneul rubbed a hand over his face. “Aren’t you here on their behalf? Can’t you tell them I’m not here? I changed my name, you know, they won’t know, will they?” He said hopefully, wracking his brain in hopes to find something that could sound like a way out. “You can say Howl is dead, it’s technically true, Howl Pendragon isn’t actually here anymore.” 

[theafterglcw]

Harriet's expression was often stony as best, she knew well how she could come off aloof or impersonal at times. That really wasn't her intention though, and it certainly wasn't her intention to make Haneul feel even more despondent about his situation or history. Maybe she'd pushed it a little too far into the thoughts of shame and regret... Harriet needed to stop herself from treating every conversation like an intake session.

"Actually, I'd prefer you didn't," She didn't need to be going home smelling like smoke in front of her daughters. If Haneul thinks it's rude, hopefully he'd forgive her.

"I'm not sure if all those questions need answers to them, at least, right now. People be talented and loud and people can love both the art and the artist. It think it's a little dangerous to begin thinking there is nothing of you still here, or that there was nothing of you within your past," If Harriet were to turn inwards and reflect on some of her worst moments, even she could acknowledge that she was always a whole person, including when making bad choices.

"There's a sort of fallacy that comes when people can't reason the good and bad within themself. A red herring that has you thinking there is a separation within one person - past and present, real and fake - when really you are a whole self, and you have always been a whole self. You are a person with mind to reason and a heart to love, and you always have been, no matter what you've had to learn."

[mortalrelics]

Haneul’s hand stopped halfway to his pocket at her refusal to let him smoke. He nodded slowly, letting it drop back in his lap. “Of course,” he said quietly. He was a little disappointed, but more at the fact he didn’t have his crutch during a conversation that was making him more vulnerable than he was prepared for. Cigarettes had become his go to, even though he knew he shouldn’t. It was gross, tacky even. But without his image to protect, he figured it didn’t matter as much what vices he had. 

The concept of a whole self felt foreign after spending so long thinking of himself as fractured. The person he used to be, versus the person he was now, the performance versus whatever was underneath. “I’m not sure I know how to do that,” he admitted, his voice quiet as he crossed one leg over the other, and his arms protectively crossed in front of him. “Think of myself as whole, I mean. It’s easier to divide it up, you know? Blame the pixie dust for the bad parts, credit talent for the good. Keep them… separate.” He looked down at his hands, the same hands that used to create art, but also reached for something that would destroy him. “If I accept that it was all me, I have to accept that I am capable of both, and that’s not something I think I can do.” 

He chewed on his bottom lip thoughtfully, before looking in her direction, his eyes not meeting hers. “What if the person who created such beautiful  art, and the person who destroyed everything are the same? What if I can’t be one of them without the other? It’ll be a cycle until it eventually… well, ends… so to speak.” 

[swanprncess]

When she'd made the New Year's resolution to push herself to try new things, and she'd seen the flyer for a literary book club, she'd thought it had been the perfect answer: get out of her comfort zone by meeting new people and reading outside of her usual genre.

But now that she was standing in a room full of people she didn't know, who all seemed acquainted with each other, she was regretting not starting somewhere easier. Or neglecting to make that resolution at all.

Watching everyone chatter around her before the start of the meeting, she stood alone by the refreshment table, nibbling on a dry and crumbly grocery store cookie with an oddly chemical aftertaste. If she came back for next week's meeting, she would do them all a favor and pick up something from The Crumb Trail.

When she noticed another person standing near the table, she saw it as her perfect opening. "Hi, there," she said, but the rest of her greeting flew from her mind once the man turned around and she realized who it was: the mayor of Godscobh himself.

Clearing her throat, she attempted to recover from her shock and actually say something to him now that she had his attention. "Mayor Zika. I didn't realize you attended this club." Not a great opening, but it was better than staring silently at him in wide-eyed surprise.

@mortalrelics

[mortalrelics]

Hades turned at the greeting, cookie in hand, and his expression shifted from the polite mask to something warmer and amused when he saw Odette’s surprise. He shook his head when she greeted him with his formal title and last name. “Please,” he raised a hand in a dismissive gesture, his voice warmer than usual. “In here, I’m just Hades.” He had joined the bookclub for the sake of some normalcy.

Some of the other members did tiptoe a little around him, so he tried his best to strike up conversations, but he was extremely bad at small talk, apparently. “Just trying to find a group of people to geek out about my favourite books with.” He said with a playful smile. “Sometimes I like to read things that aren’t zoning ordinance or budget proposals, you know?” He added with a smile. 

“I see we are both brave enough to sample the refreshments, though,” he nodded, gesturing to the snacks in their hands. He wondered if maybe he should make a mayoral decision to only have home made goods at these things, though that sounded about as risky as the store bought ones. “Is this your first time at the bookclub?” He hoped she would jump on his awful attempt at small talk, so he wouldn’t be the awkward one in the corner once again. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.” 

[mortalrelics]

Closed starter for Odette @swanprncess At the art gallery

Haneul had been rearranging the lighting on one of the newer acquisitions when he noticed Odette in the gallery. She had very easily become one of his favourite visitors in Godscobh. It was the way she showed genuine appreciation for the arts, and actually seemed interested in what Haneul said when talking about the artworks. 

Haneul smoothed his emerald scarf and made his way over, a genuine smile on his lips. “Odette,” he greeted warmly, taking in her appearance, appreciating her style. “I was hoping you’d come by sometime this week. We just got a new piece I think you’ll enjoy,” he told her, with a little more excitement than he was meant to show when talking to guests at the gallery. 

“It’s not up yet, but you know, I’m not above giving you a VIP tour of the backroom whenever you have a moment,” he added with a wink. He wasn’t supposed to, but he would do it for his favourite people. The ones who saw the details most people rushed past in the artworks. 

“Have you been well? It’s been ages since I last saw you, it seems.” Haneul wasn’t the most social person himself, so not having run into Odette lately was probably more his fault than hers. “What have you been up to?” 

[acommonfairy]

As she walked past the dark storefronts with “Closed” signs over their doors, while on alert for any sounds around her, Tinley was mostly lost in thought. This late at night, in the part of town away from all the gang activity, the streets were quiet. It was just her, a chorus of chirping bugs, and the stars winking overhead.

She’d finished up her work for the Lost Boys and headed home a few hours ago, and she’d tried, she really had made a genuine effort to go to sleep, but she’d just ended up pacing her small apartment until it felt like the walls were closing around her.

So there she was, yet again, walking the streets at night, when she heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around, all of the self-defense she’d learned over the years immediately moving to the top of her mind, but relaxed when she saw who it was.

She wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep at night and instead found themselves walking the streets of Godscobh, and though she would never have expected it, she’d begun to enjoy their nighttime talks.

“Hades,” she said in greeting. “Fancy seeing you here at this totally normal hour. How’s it going?”

@mortalrelics

[mortalrelics]

Hades emerged from the shadows between streetlights. His composure was a lot more relaxed than it would have been in the daylight hours. The late night always made him more relaxed, as there were fewer expectations. “Tinley,” he acknowledged with a small smile. “I’d say this is a perfectly reasonable time for a leisurely stroll, don’t you think?” He half-joked and fell into step beside her, hands tucked into his coat pockets. 

He glanced at the empty storefronts they were passing. The quiet of the night made the town feel a little eerie, though Hades found it more peaceful than unsettling. He preferred the quiet streets, Tinley’s company was welcome, however. He turned his gaze back to her. “What’s kept you in the store so long, anyway? I don’t imagine it’s open this late, is it?” He questioned her, tilting his head slightly. 

[acommonfairy]

Tinley had just closed the back of the vintage radio she’d been tinkering with, a satisfied smile on lips as she set the newly restored item back on her worktable, when the store’s doorbell rang. A quick glance revealed a dark-haired, impeccably dressed visitor, instantly recognizable.

Haneul Pendragon, one of her favorite customers. She always appreciated when a customer had good style (it was practically impossible to stay quiet when the fashionably challenged made horrible selections) and Haneul had some of the best in Godscobh.

Still riding off the buzz of fixing the radio, she jumped up from her workstation, an excited smile on her face. “Haneul! I put aside these amazing silk scarves that came in last week,” she said, reaching for the box she’d stored under her desk.

@mortalrelics

[mortalrelics]

The tension in Haneul’s shoulders eased the moment he stepped into Tinley’s shop, there was something about the cluttered warmth of the place that felt like a refuge. Tinley herself always had a genuine enthusiasm and keen eye, and was exactly the kind of person who made him remember why he’d fallen in love with beautiful things in the first place. 

“Tinley, darling,” he said, his smile becoming real for the first time all day. “You’re an absolute angel. I was hoping you might have found something special.” He moved toward her workstation, automatically straightening his posture as more of his usual confidence returned. This was a safe space, where he could appreciate beautiful things with someone who truly understood. “Silk scarves?” He said, with interest. “You know me so well. I’ve been trying to add some colour to my wardrobe without looking like I’m trying too hard.” 

His eyes followed her movements as she reached for the box, eager to see what she had found. He trusted her taste, after all. 

[childofhcll]

Lorcan had to sigh, he'd been hoping that their interaction could skirt around small talk for a little longer before getting down to business. It really wasn't his favorite part of the job; threats, scaring people. Wasn't he just supposed to be low-level casino nobody? But they both knew this wasn't Lorcan's scene, and he knew too much about Hanuel's temptations to be here as a friend.

"Look, boss knows you're back in town, and he's a little disappointed to lose your business. Told me to come down here and, I dunno, scare the daylights out of you or something. But I would feel like such a dick doing that," Plus, not really his business - everyone had their fair choice to get involved with pixie dust or not. Lorcan knew what it was like to have that privilege revoked.

"So... I'll tell him you're not making the money you used to? Or you've got more body guards now and he should watch out?"

[mortalrelics]

For a second, Haneul’s carefully maintained composure cracked, and he probably looked exactly like what he was – someone who’d fallen from grace and was terrified of falling further. “I…” he started, then stopped, his throat suddenly dry. His hands trembled slightly behind his back before he brought them forward, running one through his hair in a nervous gesture that more or less ruined his perfectly styled appearance. “I don’t do that anymore.” The words came out quieter than he intended. 

Haneul’s gaze flicked towards the entrance, and he suddenly realised just how exposed they were. Anyone could walk in. The sliver of reputation he still held felt like it was hanging by a thread. “Look, I definitely don’t have that kind of money anymore. This job barely covers my rent, let alone…” He gestured helplessly around the gallery. “Tell him whatever you want. That I’m broke, or dead in a ditch somewhere. I don’t want trouble, and I can’t go back to that.” He chewed on his lip, his fingers brushing over the pocket lining of the blazer he was wearing. He was trying to stay clean, he wasn’t prepared for temptation to be walking through the door like this, though. 

[bete-du-manoir]

Adam looks up and gives Haneul a pleasant smile.

"Thank you. I wouldn't know. Was replying to an inane work email."

He steps inside and looks around at the new layout and art on display for the gallery.

"How's your morning been?" he asks, distracted as he walks up to a sculpture a few steps in front of him.

[mortalrelics]

Haneul’s smile remained perfectly in place, though something tightened around his eyes at Adam’s casual dismissal. He followed a step behind as Adam moved towards the sculpture. “Just the usual morning routine of making sure everything’s ready for our discerning visitors. You know how it is,” he said. “This is a fairly recent acquisition. A Giacometti bronze from his later years.” He explained, looking from Adam to the sculpture. 

“Was there something in particular you were after today?” 

[theafterglcw]

The idea of performing for a crowd of friends, or even family, was very familiar to Harriet as a therapist herself. After spending a career working with celebrities from all walks of life, one thing was deeply obvious - everyone "pretended" at one time or another in life, and some people did it so much that they forgot what was real and what wasn't. Sometimes the performative version of oneself became the real self, even if you didn't want it to be.

"You know, what you're describing isn’t unusual. We all build personas to navigate the world, and I see it a lot in those with high pressure, high visibility careers," Harriet hummed against her glass, being reminded of all the stages of removal she had to go through just to get here, "But the self is not static. And the fact that you’re questioning it now? That shows growth. Most people never even get to that point."

There's another thing to say about how Hanuel probably couldn't discern his reality very well while struggling with addiction, but that didn't feel productive to bring up. He was probably already thinking about it anyways, "There's stages of development that we go through at every age, to develop a sense of identity and our role in the world. As we have new experiences, we develop our sense identity through being conscious of the self. But in your case... Well, shall I say, you weren't particularly lucid during those years."

[mortalrelics]

Haneul’s jaw clenched to keep himself from wincing at her words, his carefully maintained composure cracking slightly. Lucid seemed like such a clinical, yet gentle, way to describe what felt like years of his life dissolving into a haze of powder and whatever else would quiet the voice in his head. “No,” he said quietly. “I guess you’re right about that.” He rubbed his temple, a gesture that had become a habit whenever the shame threatened to surface. “I thought I was being more myself then, more creative and passionate… more alive, essentially. But really I was just…” he paused, trying to find the right words. “Running away from having to face who I actually was without all the fanfare and applause.” 

Haneul’s fingers traced the rim of his glass. “The worst part is that I can’t even tell how much of what I remember from those years was real. Did people actually admire my work, or were they just humouring someone who was clearly falling apart? Did they enjoy my art, or my downfall? Was I talented, or just loud?” He let out a shaky breath, finally looking back at Harriet. “And now what? I’m left trying to build an identity from scraps of memories and a job that feels more like charity than anything.” 

He let out a deep sigh, rubbing his eyes. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

[theafterglcw]

Harriet would normally take compliments in stride because, yes, obviously she's doing amazing for her age, career, and family. Well, maybe not perfect on that last one, but she thought she was doing well under these conditions. Something about Hades' words made her prickle a little though - too nice, too generous towards her situation. Not that Hades was worthy of her suspicion, he was a dear friend. But Harriet just wasn't used to people being openly kind and honest. At least, not without pulling it out of them unwillingly.

"I'm handling it just fine, I think. It's a pleasure for me, in fact, to not have to deal with it anymore," Her ex-husband being the 'it' in question, "I think they're still young enough that flying on planes is a fun little adventure. When they're a little older, they can choose who they want to stay with."

And Harriet's lawyers would be working their asses off making sure that would be with her. The red head might've been one of the only single mothers in her social group, but she wore the title with pride and would fight tooth and nail to keep her children.

"The most stressful part is the paperwork. You're lucky to not deal with it."

[mortalrelics]

“Paperwork,” he repeated with a dry laugh, leaning back in his chair. “I guess that’s the great equaliser. Doesn’t matter if you’re running a city or navigating custody arrangements. Bureaucracy finds a way to make everything unnecessarily complicated.” He studied her face for a moment, noting the way she’d straightened slightly when talking about the girls choosing where to stay. There was steel there, quiet determination that always impressed him about Harriet.  “The girls are lucky to have someone who fights for them the way you do.” He said, simply. It wasn’t really something that was up for debate. 

He tilted his head slightly and studied her carefully. There had been a hint of defensiveness in her words that didn’t go unnoticed by Hades, but he didn’t comment on it. He wasn’t really here to make things worse, or to create more drama in any capacity. “Flying on planes is a great adventures, though, don’t you think?” He added with a soft smile towards the girls before turning back to Harriet. "What else has been keeping you busy? Or is custody stuff taking up most of your headspace these days?"

[bloodbovnd]

A real charmer, that one. Belle wasn't all that used to the good kind of compliments. Sure, there were enough men whistling, calling her names, asking for something only for her to politely direct the conversation to another direction or simply decline -- only to be met with hostility. Haneul had a way of speaking which immediately drew her closer, like he understood her language like no other could at the moment. "Thank you," despite her prior attempts not to engage in such talks, Belle understood the importance of just being kind, of accepting a compliment and not dismiss it. Instead, she let her hand glide to Haneul's back, gently rubbing his shoulder blade in gentle appreciation, "I can only give that compliment back to you. At least now I have someone who will understand the difference between Austen and Brontë or might just agree with me, that a cover's not as important as its story."

Laughing at his words, Belle simply nodded, "I hope that's a promise." Cheerfully taking his arm, she let him lead the way, "Come to think of it, we could grab something to eat along the way. I once read in a culinary guide, that bananas are berries, but strawberries aren't. Looks can be deceiving, as does popular opinion hinders us from letting the truth blossom." Laughing at her own trivia, Belle eventually pointed to one of the booths in the far back. "Candied grapes would fit so well right now. Or Crepes. Thoughts?"

[mortalrelics]

Haneul’s eyes softened at her gentle touch and the literary reference. Finally, someone who understood. He offered her a warm smile. “I knew I could trust you to understand the different between sense and sensibility versus passion and gothic drama. I think I might be in love.” He winked at her. It was delivered with that usual Howl flair, he hoped she had grown accustomed to it by now, but it was slightly softened by the real affection he had for Belle. He squeezed her arm gently as they walked through the crowd, chuckling lightly at her berry trivia. “I’m rather fond of both beautiful appearances and substance, though. So why settle for one when you can have the whole package?” He teased, raising an eyebrow as he looked over at her.

Haneul’s stomach rumbled in agreement to her suggestion about food. He hadn’t really made getting food a priority, choosing instead to make himself presentable for the market with his friend - which often took longer than he realised. “Crêpes sound divine, actually. Something sweet and indulgent feels right.” He said with a nod in agreement. His gaze moving from stall to stall, trying to find where the crêpes were sold. “I promise wholeheartedly to be insufferable about whatever we choose.” He said, taking to his heart. “Did you know the French perfected crêpes in the 13th century? Art and sustenance combined, my favourite combo!” 

[bloodbovnd]

Jang-Mi could feel herself move just a bit closer, one small, almost insignificant step closer, once he uttered her name, like a call from within. He had her undivided attention, as per usual. His magnetic self, paired with looks that probably would cause so many more to swoon, made Hades irresistible. To be honest if it wasn't for the flowers, Jang-Mi wouldn't have been here tonight, but given the opportunity, the cash, and now, seeing him... Jang-Mi furrowed her brows together, incapable of fully figuring out what they were. Probably on the worse end, off rather than on, on a break? A long break? A short one? A never ending one? "Thank you. They asked me to give a thorough explanation on how Godscobh-native benefitted our environment. Each flower and plant represents some form of biologic masterpiece on its own," Jang-Mi explained, casually pointing towards some of the various flowers. She locked eyes with him and dropped her hand immediately.

This wasn't about the flowers at all, was it? Jang-Mi, almost out of habit, suddenly considered herself unworthy of his presence. Despite their history -- her mother had managed to shelter her too much, giving the florist almost no opportunities to truly blossom on her own. Now that she did, even the smallest bits of admiration worried her. "I'm sure you'll understand, that I'm the busiest in Spring and Summer. I'm here now, so, we might as well," she stopped herself from saying anything completely horrendous. She rolled her eyes then, sighing in disbelief as she tried to form her thoughts, "to be honest, our seasonal... relationship, if you want to call that, just isn't something I can push aside and forget until you show up again, you know?"

[mortalrelics]

Hades watched Jang-mi carefully. Her explanation about the flowers was thorough and professional, exactly what he’d expect from someone trying to keep things surface-level. But when she locked eyes with him, he saw it. Traces of the old dynamic. He would never admit it out loud, but he did miss her sometimes. Whenever the Zika manor got too cold or empty. That’s usually when he’d call her, too. He listened to her stumble through her words about their ‘seasonal arrangement’, as she so elegantly put it. It did take him a little more to keep his expression neutral during that. He went quiet for a moment, considering his response. 

He glanced back toward the fundraiser, the donors and city officials who were probably wondering where the mayor had gone off to, then back to her. “You’re right, of course. About the… seasonal relationship.” He said, raising an eyebrow as he used the same words as she had back to her. “I’m aware some things have roots that go deeper than seasonal convenience, but you understand why it’s like this, don’t you?” He asked, tilting his head slightly. He was certain they’d had the equivalent of this conversation before. Or maybe he had only imagined they did. His smile returned, but it was a little different. Less official, more… Hades. “Tell me,” he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Did you take this job because of the business, or was there something else you were looking for tonight?” 

[childofhcll]

Lorcan just nodded along, pretending like he understood whatever was written on the placard and Haneul's description. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate high art or anything, but some of the context was definitely lost on him when looking at a singular painting out of... tens? Hundreds?

"Seems pretty tortured to me," the dealer cracked smile, starting to detect a little touch of nerves in the man's voice. It wasn't like Lorcan was going to give a shake down right here in open air, he just needed to make an appearance and complete enough intimidation tactics that his boss would be satisfied, "But no, not really. Pretty sure one painting like that costs more than my life. You've got quite the little collection here, though. Who knew we had so much art in Godscobh?"

[mortalrelics]

Haneul’s smile flickered at Lorcan’s casual dismissal of the artwork’s value. The comment seemed to hit exactly where it was meant to, and Haneul felt a sting of being reminded of his own limitations. He couldn’t afford any of these pieces any more, and could only curate and arrange them for others. “Well, torture takes many forms,” he said after a moment. “Godscobh has always had more culture than people give it credit for. You just have to know where to look. I don’t imagine there is much culture at the casino, though, so you weren’t to know, I guess.” 

There was something about the way Lorcan was looking at him that made his skin prickle. It didn’t seem like the other was here for a friendly chat. Haneul shifted, his hands behind his back to keep himself from fidgeting. “People don’t usually visit without a specific interest in the art, though.” He added, taking in the other man. “Is there something I can help you with, Lorcan?” 

[theafterglcw]

Harriet only vaguely knew of those who might look down upon working mothers - there were all too many negative stereotypes about divorced women, taking children away from their fathers, running off to "find themselves" somewhere far, far away. But to Harriet's credit, taking the girls away from their father was eventually the best thing for them, and as for finding herself in Godscobh... Well, a good friend like Hades was responsible for that. She did feel freer here, even with the weight of the council on her shoulders.

"Well, I've had more time with the girls since they're out of school, so we might plan a beach weekend or two before they go back to California," Of course, the custody agreement called them back for a weekend or two in return, "Don't start making me feel old, alright? I've avoided a mid-life crisis this long and I plan on continuing that streak."

[mortalrelics]

Hades chuckled softly, a rarity that Harriet had always been able to draw from him. "Mid-life crisis?" He raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing in a way he reserved for their private conversations. "Please. You're handling more responsibility than half the council combined, raising two daughters, and still managing to look like you have your life together. If that's a crisis, the rest of us are in serious trouble." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "Beach weekends sound perfect for them. They deserve it after the school year." There was something almost protective in his voice when he mentioned the girls, not paternal, exactly, but he did care for the girls.

His expression grew more thoughtful. "California... How are they handling the back and forth? I know you've made it work, but that doesn't mean it's easy." The question was meant to be careful, respectful of boundaries, while still showing he cared enough to ask. With Harriet, he felt he could afford to be more direct about the personal stuff, she was one of the few people who'd seen enough of his actual concern to know it wasn't manipulation.

"And more importantly," he added with a slight smile, "are you handling it alright?"