Strength in Sisterhood: Hana and Simone
Pairing: Hana x Simone (Friendship)
Word Count: 878
Rating: PG (Language)
Author’s Note: This one-shot is set in the same universe as my Tender Moments Drabble series (available on my Masterlist) featuring Simone and Maxwell Beaumont. This is my submission for Day #15 of the Choices July Challenge 2019 with the prompt of “Friendship” I hope you enjoy!
S: Is it OK if I push our lunch back by a couple of hours?
H: Sure, is everything OK? Is Zora OK?
S: Look at you already being the doting aunt I knew you would be! Yes, BFF, everything is fine. I just need to have an unpleasant meeting with Madeleine first.
H: I’m glad to hear everything is OK! Actually, this will give me the option to run a quick errand first. I’ll see you at say, 1:30pm?
S: Works for me! I may have some news to share with you while we eat 😉
H: Good news?
S: My lips are sealed until we meet in person. 😊
****
“OK, so what is this news that you wanted to share with me?” Hana eyes Simone curiously.
“Well…” Simone takes a seat across from Hana, stealing a piece of chocolate chip cookie from Hana’s plate in the process.
Hana chuckles softly. “I saw that. Luckily, I got the cookie for Zora in anticipation of your arrival.”
Simone looks down with a smile as she speaks to her swollen belly. “Look, Maxie, Auntie Hana was thinking about you!
"Ahem, the news?”
“I fired Madeleine as my Communications Director,” Simone responds flatly.
“You, WHAT?? How is this a good thing?”
“Bad for her. Good for you.”
“Is she OK?? Wait, how is this good for me?”
“She will be fine. Instead of working for me, she will be the Communications Director for Liam at the palace. Let him deal with her backtalk and snarky attitude. Hana, I’m sick to death of her shit. I think she assumed that because I’m introverted that she could continue to talk to me any old way. Hell, I’m titled above her now and she still lacks the basic respect that should come with my title and the work I have done to unite Cordonia.”
“I wasn’t aware that she was treating you that horribly.” Hana reaches across the table to hold Simone’s hand for comfort. Simone squeezes her hand in kind.
“I was trying to be the strong Duchess, but I realized that I am about to bring Zora into this world and if for no other reason, I have to show my child that strength is not about turning the other cheek, it is about being honest with what you will and will NOT accept. I don’t accept the things I cannot change. I change the things I don’t accept. Hence why Maddy had to go.”
“I’m proud of you, Simone. Always!”
“Thank you, bestie! I wouldn’t be where I am now without your support.”
“No, Simone, you did this all on your own!”
“Hana. No.” Simone shakes her head. “You helped prepare me in courtly etiquette, you ensured my outfits were always suited for the occasion and with an impeccable eye for what would accentuate my curves, might I add, and you helped teach me various languages in preparation to greet and win over Cordonia’s allies. You, Hana, are the Communications Director I need.”
“Simone.” Hana pulls her hands back, covering her eyes as she is flooded with a rush of emotions. “I don’t know what to say. Do you really think I am qualified for this?”
Simone shoots Hana the side-eye. “Why do you think I’m asking you? Ok, I’ll share more about the awesomeness that is my bestie. You have an undergraduate degree in communications from Fudan University and two graduate degrees, TWO, one in international business and the other in international studies. My best friend is a damn badass!”
Hana releases a hearty laugh trying to stall for time as she mulls over Simone’s words and proposition. “You must really believe all of this because I’ve never seen you curse as much as you are today.”
“HELL. YES. Especially when it comes to the people I love. Like YOU. You’re my very best friend Hana! I wouldn’t want to call anyone else my bestie - you know, I mean, except for Max, but we will keep that between us.” The two women laugh in unison.
“You are right, Simone. I am more than qualified to do this, I mean, I couldn’t do worse than Madeleine right?”
“Exactly! So, you’ll be my new Comms Director?”
“Yes, Simone, I will!”
Simone uses the table as an anchor to help her stand and comes around to Hana’s side of the table to pull her into a tight hug. “I love you, bestie. I have every faith that you will be excellent in this role!”
“Thank you for believing in me.” Hana squeezes Simone tighter.
“Ok, so can we order food now? Zora is hungry!” Simone slowly backs out of Hana’s embrace, rubbing her belly as she returns to her seat.
“Not yet, I have a surprise for you! Remember that errand that I told you I had to run? It is an early baby shower gift for my niece!” Hana hands Simone the brightly decorated bag and inside she finds
“Hana, I love this! This makes me think of the one time I got to dress you for a change - our NY trip before we cleared my name. Thank you so much!”
“I’m glad you recognize the symbolism of the gift. Only the best for you and my niece!”
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