#hartmart

[hartmart]

[aschlindartroom]

Happy Blorbo Blursday! <3

So tell me about how HartMart (I'm howling don't mind me) met and developed that painfully slowburn romance? What was their first impressions of each other? Anything you want to spill out about them!

Oh my gooooosssh. Thanks for the ask, @tryingtimi!

Dude, like. It's such a long story. Such a long, ridiculous story. I'll try to make it short. Deets under the cut. :)

Before they met, Martin Hightower led the Public Relations department of Schmidt & Foster orchestrating cover-ups and quelling any public dissent through half-measures and political strong arming.

Eckehart had all but officially emancipated himself from his father, who was the CEO of Schmidt & Foster at the time. Schmidt & Foster is kept exclusively in the family (mostly because it is run by a few shadowy peoples who have investment in them for spooky reasons, but that is neither here nor there for your ask), so when Elias (Eckehart's father) died mysteriously, Eckehart was ushered in to take over the organization for him. Eckehart would have much rather lived an obscure life under a different name, making a career out of city planning to fight Schmidt & Foster from the bottom, but he ended up in the exact position he'd always hoped he could avoid.

Franklin Belks, who was Elias's long-time COO/friend, was understandably worried that idealist Eckehart would try to shake things up, bring Schmidt & Foster to heel give power back to the people. He was fully set and ready to either have Eckehart assassinated or otherwise make him unfit for the job. However, Martin, his right hand man and trusted employee, offered to take up the task of keeping an eye on Eckehart.

Eckehart is understandably wary of Martin from the very beginning, knowing that he is Belks' inside man because he isn't stupid. Martin, however, is surprisingly frank with Eckehart, and throws him a curveball: Yes, I'm here on behalf of Belks. Yes, I'm here to spy on you. But I'm not going to. Not really. I'm here to work for YOU.

Why? Well, in the first book, you're not really supposed to know why. Although readers will eventually find out.

Over the next couple of years, Martin earns Eckehart's trust. He seems to hold a kind of admiration for Eckehart and his ideals, and reminds Eckehart often of what a great leader he could be if he gave himself an ounce of credit. Eckehart starts to see a softer side of Martin-- a person who is seen as a cold slab of concrete by most-- and eventually comes to confide in him. The two come up with a plan: a plan to dismantle Schmidt & Foster in one fell swoop, right out from under Belks, and give power to the Allied Districts Council. When the story beginnings, they're three months out from the political transition deadline and are about to put their plan into action.

This is already SO LONG, but maybe I'll post a little scene with them little. My baby boys. <3

[aschlindartroom]

Heads Up Seven Up

Thanks to @aohendo for the tag! I have not been working on my manuscript proper, but here's the last little bit I wrote as part of a Martin x Eckehart side-story.

“Do you think I’m mean?” Eckehart huffed a laugh. “You’re no saint, that’s for sure.” “Saints die young,” Martin said. “Us devils stay til the end of the show, just to see how well the world burns.” They fell into a thoughtful silence. It pressed into them, suffocating. Finally, Martin said, “Well, I’m nice to you at least, aren't I?” “You’re pushy and cryptic and you make me look dirty when you stand next to me in photographs.”

Martin has only been drunk with Eckehart once. He is delightfully forthcoming.

Tagging @theskeletonprior, @tryingtimi, @kiaraintheforest, and @whimsyqueen

[aschlindartroom]

What is a cute portmanteaus for Martin and Eckehart?

I'd really like to tag them as something other than "Martin and Eckehart" and really honestly they are way overdue for a cute couple nickname.

[aschlindartroom]

Ok if you're down for another ask I'd love to know more about Eckehart and Martin's relationship? Or them individually. Or both. Liking me these bois.

Oh god I would love to.

Eckehart and Martin are the main characters of Second Serpent's political B-Plot. To make a long story very VERY short, they are both secretly planning to dismantle Schmidt & Foster (the corporation that runs New London), and help the average people form a republic. Well, Eckehart's planning to. Martin agrees to help him, despite the fact that Martin is famous for being Schmidt & Foster's #1 PR and cover-up guru, and also notoriously self-interested and hedonistic.

For a long time, Eckehart just assumes that Martin is playing him. By the time the story proper starts, they're ten years into a game of political-treason-chicken that they no longer care about and have entirely lost track of who's winning.

Throughout their friendship, they change under each others' influence. One-track-mind Eckehart comes to understand his personal preferences: what foods he likes, the types of art he enjoys-- what makes him happy that's not booze or punching things. Martin learns the value of putting effort into something that isn't himself, allowing himself to care just as deeply as Eckehart cares. His heart thaws and it is very sweet.

[aschlindartroom]

Have I mentioned that Martin and Eckehart have personal assistants?

Lila works for Martin Hightower. She is an enthusiastic, type-A personality whose idea of a good time is completing very difficult crosswords and watching competitive sports. Eckehart dismissed almost all of his father's staff when he took over the CEO position, and Advik was the only candidate who didn't suck up to him, so he got the job by default. He is, luckily, very good at his job.

They are oil and water, and though they may never end up in the story, I kind of love writing about them.

Silly semi-scene under the cut.

“Hey, have you heard?” “Heard? Heard what?” "Last night Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Hightower were seen leaving the building together.” Lila winked. “Think they were going to Mr. Hightower’s place or what? Word is that he’s got a flat he likes to entertain in.” Advik gaped. “Lila!” he pleaded, a harsh whisper. “Keep your voice down.” She laughed and waved off his concern. “Oh, settle down. It’s just harmless gossip.” “Only you would term gossip about two of the most powerful people in New London as harmless,” Advik said. Lila stepped in front of him, blocking his path down the hall and nearly knocking him back on his ankles. She smiled mischievously, eyebrows raised. “What?” “So? What do you think?” she asked. “Love affair brewing?” Advik pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, attempting to stave off a headache. He considered telling Lila to mess off, to mind her own business if she wanted to keep her job. If it were Mr. Belks she was talking about, he wouldn’t hesitate. “I just don’t think he’s that sort of person,” Advik said finally. “Who?” she asked. “Mr. Schmidt,” Advik said. Lila didn’t move, patient for an explanation. Advik sighed and side-stepped Lila to continue down the hall. “He’s hard to read. Reserved. Shy, I think? I don’t know. I just don’t think that Mr. Hightower is his type.” Advik entered the Media Relations office, hoping the door would close back in Lila’s face. She pushed her foot into the threshold at the last possible second. The door bounced back and Lila followed quickly behind. They weaved between lines of desks, skirting around the Media Relations personnel. “I think Mr. Hightower is everyone’s type with a little nudging.” Advik paused and glanced around the office. “Did Monika move?” he asked. Lila sighed, exasperated. “Look, I have a vested interest in knowing whether my boss is getting laid, okay? Mr. Hightower is 73% more likely to accept my reports as-is in the days after a good dicking—” “Lila!” “And he hasn’t asked me to revise anything in the last week. That’s seven whole consecutive days, Ad. Seven! It’s unheard of. And he’s been staring out of his window all… wistful like. It’d be disgusting if I wasn’t getting twice as much done.” “Maybe he hit his head.” “Ha-ha. Funny.”

[aschlindartroom]

(from @flowerprose)

For the prompts: “Tell me something I can do for you today.”

Aw, thanks @flowerprose!

A little HartMart drabble. Pardon any grammatical errors.

-----

It had been close to two years since Hightower had been installed as his ADC Liaison, and six months since they had begun Eckehart’s whirlwind cultural exploration. Each day came accompanied by a new experience— Hightower quietly sliding a flavorful, expensive cup of coffee across his desk; a lunch-time hair appointment from a blessedly quiet, delicate barber; an evening at the Midtown library, enjoying the latest exhibition; a late-night drink at a bar he’d never been to, overlooking the Midtown skyline in a way he’d never seen before. New perspectives. Hightower arranged it all somehow, effortlessly, and without an ounce of grumbling.

Not that Eckehart would have expected the man to grumble. Hightower had insisted on the whole thing himself. Still, it wasn’t like the man didn’t have more pressing matters to attend to. Networking with the ADC Representatives and their assistants was a task enough without all of the extra work he piled on. This week, he was managing negotiations with Barclay’s labor unions and Barclay, for all his good qualities and loyalty to his district’s livelihood, was a piece of work on a good day. How Hightower managed, while still maintaining his prestine appearance and razor sharp tongue, was an absolute mystery.

By 3 PM, Eckehart had cleared off his desk for the day and was playing a game of chess with himself when the door to his office opened. Hightower had long done away with knocking, which didn’t bother Eckehart as much as it probably should have. Normally, he walked with energy— intimidating and aware. Today Hightower entered slowly, closing the door only to lean back against it. He sighed, heavy and tired, and stood there for a few moments. Eckehart was tucked away in the far side of the office. Had Hightower not seen him when he entered?

He took the rare opportunity to see Hightower off his game, running his gaze along the vulnerable line of the man’s throat, bared and unsuspecting. His closed eyes,

Eckehart’s elbow slipped and knocked a pawn from the chess board and onto the floor. Hightower twisted, surprised, but immediately relaxed at the sight of Eckehart, who was scrambling to grab the rogue chess piece.

“Ah, you’re here,” Hightower said, straightening his suit.

“It’s my office,” Eckehart said, a tad more testy than he truly felt.

“You do have a budget committee scheduled for this time,” Hightower responded, sounding a tad testy himself. They watched each other. Hightower cleared his throat and approached. “Barclay is amenable to our workplace reform plan. I have Lila working with his special council to ensure that the final negotiations are reflected in the written agreement. It should come through tomorrow, if Barclay does not find something else to hem and haw about.”

Standing beside him, Eckehart saw for the first time how harried the man looked. Perhaps to the uninitiated eye, Hightower looked normal, if a bit tired. Eckehart noted the bags under his eyes, the slight hunch of his shoulders. Hightower assessed the state of his chess board.

“Who’s move?” he asked.

“White,” Eckehart said, gesturing to the opposite side of the board.

Hightower nodded, considered, then moved the rook. Two moves from checkmate now. He looked over his handy work before straightening, satisfied. “I’ll be off again in a few minutes,” he said. He turned to walk away, lacking that usual spring in his step. “Don’t let me distract you.”

“Tell me something I can do for you today,” Eckehart blurted.

Hightower paused mid-step, straightening with his back turned. Eckehart resisted the urge to cover his own mouth. A breath of silence passed between them. Hightower turned on his heel to look at Eckehart, eyebrow raised.

“Sorry?”

Eckehart sighed. The words would come out far less friendly the second time. Maybe if Hightower wasn’t watching him like that, slightly dumbfounded…

“You’re busy, and I clearly have time on my hands.” He gestured to the chess board in front of him.

The smile Hightower gave him now was honest, rare in its lack of pretense, amused, and Eckehart looked away from it. He felt his face grow hot and raised his hand in warning. “Don’t make it a big deal. Obviously, you’re perfectly capable. Watching you run around when you’re clearly so tired is exhausting. I’m bored. That’s all.”

Hightower had approached Eckehart’s chair again without Eckehart noticing. Eckehart craned his neck to look up. Hightower smiled down at him, still sincere and now softened by a fondness. Gentle. Eckehart blinked at him. He was about ready to jump out of his skin when the man finally looked away. He stared out at Midtown, thoughtful.

“Now that you mention it, I’m famished,” Hightower said. “I have an appointment that will last about an hour. Just in time for an early dinner, maybe?” He walked toward the office door, heels clicking on the marble floor in his retreat. “Order us something.”

Eckehart felt an unfamiliar panic— like a child given permission to man the stove and suddenly afraid to muck it up. He stood from his chair. “What do you want?” he asked, quickly. Hightower was already at the door.

Hightower did not look back, but there was a smile in his voice. It came soft. “Surprise me,” he said.

[aschlindartroom]

the OTP you've been obsessing over lately 👀

1. What's the biggest wish the members of your otp have for the other? Is it a wish that could come true? Do they actively work towards it?

4. After a bad day, what would each member of your otp do to cheer the other up?

12. Was/is it difficult for the members of your otp to realise their feelings? Were they okay with those feelings or were they in denial? 

@bloodlessheirbyjacques ✨👀

@bloodlessheirbyjacques! Thank you!

SIGH. It's HartMart. Never not HartMart. (To be fair, they are the ONLY eventual canon coupling in the Second Serpent series.)

What's the biggest wish the members of your OTP have for the other? Is it a wish that could come true? Do they actively work towards it?

Eckehart (for Martin): What do you get the man who has everything? Martin, for all his charm and power, is incredibly lonely. He has secrets that he knows, with absolute certainty, that he will take to the grave with him. He's used to keeping people, even important people, at arm's length. No one is allowed to see the real him, because anyone who sees the real Martin automatically has power over him.

I suppose that if Eckehart had one wish for Martin, it would be for Martin to trust someone enough to let his walls down around-- for Martin to see that people find him worthy of kindness and praise without all the swagger and pretense.

Martin (for Eckehart): Eckehart is a tortured idealist-- kind and uncertain and feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is a man seeking redemption for his family's crimes, for centuries of lies and half-truths that have landed New London in a political stalemate. Eckehart will stop at nothing to end his family's hold on humanity, and he knows that at the end of the road he's started on, he will likely to imprisoned, banished, or killed. From day one as Schmidt & Foster CEO, he's been prepared to throw himself onto the pyre. He sees himself as a means to an end-- as an expendable chess piece that the world would be better off without.

Martin's biggest wish is for Eckehart for Eckehart to see himself through Martin's eyes: to see the same gentle, bleeding heart that Martin sees. Eckehart would be a fantastic leader, if only he saw his own self-worth, and admired his assets as well as his flaws.

So, I suppose their greatest wishes are for each to be more trusting, and to know their true, inherent worth. Oh. Oh god. I just made myself sad. HELP.

After a bad day, what would each member of your OTP do to cheer the other up?

Eckehart (for Martin): Martin so rarely has "bad days"-- at least, not ones that he lets onto. But, sometimes, even Martin can hide a waning mood (and he hides it less and less as their friendship goes on). Push comes to shove, Martin's love languages are gift giving and quality time.

So, on a bad day... Eckehart would bring Martin a coffee. He'd sit down face to face with him, no distractions, and crack a couple of jokes. He'd banter with him, because Martin loves that. Later, in some dating phase that the readers will never see, I can see Eckehart bringing home flowers and dinner, then asking Martin to eat with him.

Martin (for Eckehart): Eckehart is definitely a quality time/words of affirmation guy. On a bad day, Martin would remind Eckehart that he's doing his very best, and then take him somewhere to get his mind off of whatever's bothering him for a while, just to reregulate him. He'd take Eckehart for a walk, and give him some blush-inducing praise that Eckehart will tell himself he doesn't absolutely love.

Was/is it difficult for the members of your OTP to realize their feelings? Were they okay with those feelings or were they in denial?

Martin realizes his feelings early on, but I can't really explain how or why for spoiler reasons. Let's just say: He's not a man who's familiar with "love" but he does know what attraction feels like. Eckehart has all of the human compassion that Martin locked away a long time ago, so Martin assumed for a while that he just admired him. Didn't take him too long to fall head over heels... though, in many ways, he always had been.

Eckehart, on the other hand, is a single-minded, repressed loner with depression and anxiety. The man is too busy barreling forward avoiding pain to see when there's someone worth admiring in his general vicinity. It takes him a very long time to see Martin as a friend, and over halfway through the series to see him as a potential S.O. It takes almost losing Martin to realize how much he really cares about him, but that's for another time.