Paradise Maker

@mpxmalea

Ben had gotten up that morning due to the sun shining in his eyes. He groaned before turning over to give them a break. Nana had heard the commotion, only to be on the bed shortly after screaming for attention. A defeated sigh came out of the demigod's mouth followed by a chuckle. Looking back out the window he gave a serene smile.

··················································································································

Ben had gotten to the park after a gentle morning. He gave Nana her food, he ate some eggs as well. He got dressed in sweats and a thinner hoodie on top. He grabbed Nana as he made his way to the door only to put her on the bench so he could put her harness on. The temp had gotten warmer so he felt more comfortable bringing her outside again after the winter.

Parking the Jeep he jumped out and got Nana out of her seatbelt leash and put the regular one on. She jumped out after and they were on their way around the park. Ben shuffled along in his socks and slides as Nana roamed around. Eventually the duo near someone guiding yoga. He started to lazily copy the poses, giggling to himself when he found himself off balance.

🔮

   Malea pulls her form through the last pose and up into Warrior. Around her is a collection of people that she meets with regularly for Yoga in the Park. She had started doing it with mostly just the companions at Babylon but then it slowly grew to be something that attracted others to the circle that gathered in the park on the warmer days to stretch and relax together. Today a few more people had joined than last time and Malea happily started her instruction.

   A good ways into the lesson for the day she notices that at the edge of the circle someone else comes in. Late joiners were welcome to the group as it was come and go as people pleased anyway so she doesn’t fret. She just checks to see who they are and if they are actually there to participate or to disrupt. He’s tall and seems like he more belongs in the gym lifting weights with others of a similar built to himself but the fact that he came here makes her think he’s a more reserved soul. Either way, she gives him a smile and a welcome from where she is and continues guiding others through their poses. It’s not until the cat that seems to be attached to the gentleman hops up on him that she does move from her own mat and goes over to check on him.

  “And who do we have here?” She says to the four-legged friend but is talking to the man. “If I had know you were coming, I would have brought out a mini mat!”

🔮

   He got himself settled and as soon as the mention of the prior owner leaves his lips Malea rolls her eyes. Ares. She didn’t need to meet him to know that he had wrought both trouble and a fair deal of grief to those in employment prior to her arrival. He was the reason that the filing system was a joke before the two workers got their hands on it and before Malea reset it better. The notion that he may have falsified records due to merely disliked someone is also a concern that she will now have to address with a staff meeting and many phone calls later. For the moment she tackles this individual task.

   “My apologies,” she says smoothly regarding the issue of Ares. “I find that a great many things are still working themselves out since his departure. I am sure however, we can clear your account of any negative marks he may have left behind. Do you have an escort who can vouch for your character that you would like me to call in? If they are still working here I can verify that you are in good standing and that will help settle a lot of things.”

   Malea stands and goes to the file cabinet to pull open one of the massive drawers with records. Her fingers skim over tabs to the letter H before she is carefully carding through the files in there. As she picks through them she asks, “This prior owner, do you suspect he will cause trouble should he return? Or do you think he will simply amuse himself with other ventures?”

"well, i can see that you're putting a great effort to make Babylon a more functional place after the departure. I'm sure he left you with a lot of work to tackle," he added. As she asked about if there is an escort who still works there who can vouch for him and his standing, Hephaestus pondered. "well, I was never a frequent visitor, at least not as bad as Arawn, but Invidia and I met up a few times and I consider him a dear friend," he stated. "We met at the Pits a long time ago," the God added, clarifying.

He looks at his hands as she asks whether he will cause trouble if he comes back and Hephaestus laughed. "I don't think you have to worry about him. I'm sure he'll find other passions in his life. He always does, snd even if he does, you can always call me, Ill keep him away from you," he laughs with a playful wink.

🔮

  His assessment that she had been left with a lot of work to tackle post Ares was nothing short of outrageously kind to the reality of the matter. Ares, to put it politely, left her an abyss of paperwork, missed records, guest and worker complaints and a headache to sort through. She gives the driest of laughs in answer to that bit. “Well, it was something that’s for sure.”

   She clicks around and then her fingers fly over the keys as she updates information and corrects malicious statements left behind. It’s only when he mentions the reference of Invidia that her hands slow in their typing. Hm,interesting. She reaches out and presses the button on an intercom. “Room 69 to the office. Verification.”

   There’s a pause and then Invidia’s deep voice on the other end giving a short but pleasant sounding reply of ‘Be right there.’ Malea releases the button and turns back to hear the latter part of what Hephaestus says. “If your point of reference clears your name then I’m sure we can easily correct the apparent lies left by your family.”

"Malicious apparent lies left behind by family.... story of my life," he muttered, as they waited. "If I had a nickel for everytime that sort of thing happened in general, I'd be rich," he laughed. His voice was tinged with something crossed between sorrow and annoyance but he shook his head and offered Malea a delighted smile. He wasn't about to burden her with all the Greek drama. Although if she was curious it would make for an interesting conversation. One that he'd probably need alcohol for.

🔮

   Hephaestus goes on to talk about his looks changing and it gives Malea just enough of an opportunity to make a note about him in her personal notes app on the computer. Just a reminder to brush up on his story a bit more in the inner sanctum of the library and perhaps after speaking with some people who know him better. Like perhaps other members of his family without a cruel streak in their usual disposition.

   The comment that about riches gained from snide remarks made by those called family earns him a polite chuckle. “Believe me, that is something I am deeply familiar with. It is often family that has the sharpest of blades to bury into our backs.”

  A short silence is between before he comments on Babylon being in good hands. She does smile genuinely then to him, lifting her eyes from the screen that she types on to offer, “Thank you. I aim to exceed the previous notions of what this place could be.”

🔮

    Malea chuckles and reaches for her bookmark before slotting it into the pages and closing the book. “I doubt she would be very upset with you. She hasn’t met me yet so no attachment and at the very least she would know that I walked bravely into the afterlife laughing with the reaper that takes me.” 

    Her relationship with the idea of death was a calm one and left room for much humor, albeit dark humor. Malea would offer him a seat at her desk but since he is coming for leisure and not for the business of paid pleasure, they can take to the lounge. “A visit? For me? Then you are a man of your word as Invidia brags about. You did promise to come see me at the dance so I am touched. Come, let’s rest in the lounge. The fire is going up there so you can warm yourself and if you like I can have some food and drinks brought to us.”

The God takes a seat in front of her desk, briefly, since he's not there on business and more so out of personal pleasure. "Well, Invidia is a dear friend, I'd hate to disappoint him if I never kept my word and I did tell you that we'd catch up later at the dance, when I'd answer all pressing questions about the celts." he states, and nods once she offers the lounge .

🔮

  He agrees to the lounge for relaxation and Malea smiles as she rises from her desk to walk with him there. She could use the break from her book and from the office. Stepping out with him along her side she takes in a deep breath. The scents of the incense around the building lure her into the sense of tranquility. Sometimes she forgets all the work she’s done to make this place a step away from reality- and that it can transport her as well if she simply let it.

  “Dislike the cold?” Malea repeats but her tone has surprise in it. How curious! “I don’t know why but I always figured Death gods either liked colder weather or were largely indifferent to it. I suppose that’s likely just media I took in painting that idea as the standard. Goes to show, one shouldn’t assume anything.”

  She’s makes her way up the main staircase with its grand railing and carpeted steps as they talk. “Invidia is most likely fine to come out to visit for a little bit. We can ask after him once we’re up there and you’re settled in. I’ll have your request for tea given to him or to whomever is able to bring it to you from the kitchen.”

🔮

   He got himself settled and as soon as the mention of the prior owner leaves his lips Malea rolls her eyes. Ares. She didn’t need to meet him to know that he had wrought both trouble and a fair deal of grief to those in employment prior to her arrival. He was the reason that the filing system was a joke before the two workers got their hands on it and before Malea reset it better. The notion that he may have falsified records due to merely disliked someone is also a concern that she will now have to address with a staff meeting and many phone calls later. For the moment she tackles this individual task.

   “My apologies,” she says smoothly regarding the issue of Ares. “I find that a great many things are still working themselves out since his departure. I am sure however, we can clear your account of any negative marks he may have left behind. Do you have an escort who can vouch for your character that you would like me to call in? If they are still working here I can verify that you are in good standing and that will help settle a lot of things.”

   Malea stands and goes to the file cabinet to pull open one of the massive drawers with records. Her fingers skim over tabs to the letter H before she is carefully carding through the files in there. As she picks through them she asks, “This prior owner, do you suspect he will cause trouble should he return? Or do you think he will simply amuse himself with other ventures?”

"well, i can see that you're putting a great effort to make Babylon a more functional place after the departure. I'm sure he left you with a lot of work to tackle," he added. As she asked about if there is an escort who still works there who can vouch for him and his standing, Hephaestus pondered. "well, I was never a frequent visitor, at least not as bad as Arawn, but Invidia and I met up a few times and I consider him a dear friend," he stated. "We met at the Pits a long time ago," the God added, clarifying.

He looks at his hands as she asks whether he will cause trouble if he comes back and Hephaestus laughed. "I don't think you have to worry about him. I'm sure he'll find other passions in his life. He always does, snd even if he does, you can always call me, Ill keep him away from you," he laughs with a playful wink.

🔮

  His assessment that she had been left with a lot of work to tackle post Ares was nothing short of outrageously kind to the reality of the matter. Ares, to put it politely, left her an abyss of paperwork, missed records, guest and worker complaints and a headache to sort through. She gives the driest of laughs in answer to that bit. “Well, it was something that’s for sure.”

   She clicks around and then her fingers fly over the keys as she updates information and corrects malicious statements left behind. It’s only when he mentions the reference of Invidia that her hands slow in their typing. Hm,interesting. She reaches out and presses the button on an intercom. “Room 69 to the office. Verification.”

   There’s a pause and then Invidia’s deep voice on the other end giving a short but pleasant sounding reply of ‘Be right there.’ Malea releases the button and turns back to hear the latter part of what Hephaestus says. “If your point of reference clears your name then I’m sure we can easily correct the apparent lies left by your family.”

(  various  dialogue  prompts  to  send  to  your  worst  enemy  (affectionate).  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ oh great, it's you again. ❜

❛ you? kill me? that's funny. ❜

❛ for being someone you hate, i'm sure on your mind a lot. ❜

❛ you're the last person i wanted to see, actually. ❜

❛ do us both a favor. stay away from me. ❜

❛ you really are an asshole, you know that? ❜

❛ i'm the asshole? what does that make you then? ❜

❛ sometimes i think you must hate me. ❜

❛ i thought you said you never wanted to see me again. ❜

❛ if you want me to go, then you have to tell me to leave. ❜

❛ well, someone's cranky today. ❜

❛ well, someone needs to shut the fuck up. ❜

❛ just stay out of my way. ❜

❛ of all the idiots in the world, i'm stuck with you. ❜

❛ what is it you want this time? ❜

❛ sometimes i wonder if you're in love with me. ❜

❛ do you honestly think this is easy for me? ❜

❛ why would i ever want to be friends with you? ❜

❛ can we please just talk? ❜

❛ there is nothing for us to talk about. ❜

❛ you can yell at me later. just let me help you. ❜

❛ touch me, and you're dead. ❜

❛ oh, so now you care? ❜

❛ there is something deeply wrong with you. ❜

❛ i know i'm the last person you probably want to see, but... ❜

❛ you don't think we could be friends, do you? ❜

❛ i'm tired of fighting against you. ❜

❛ don't pretend you give a shit about me. ❜

❛ you're an idiot, but... i trust you. ❜

❛ oh, don't be cute. ❜

❛ wait, did you just say that i'm cute? ❜

❛ we're not good for each other. ❜

❛ if i say yes, will you shut up? ❜

❛ don't you have to be stupid somewhere else? ❜

❛ maybe we should kiss just to break the tension. ❜

❛ i'm sorry i can't turn off my feelings as easily as you. ❜

❛ maybe there's a universe out there where we're friends. ❜

❛ how can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time? ❜

❛ don't think this changes anything between us. ❜

❛ you look ridiculous in that outfit, by the way. ❜

❛ if you die, i'll kill you. ❜

❛ is that a challenge? ❜

❛ ah, so you're not heartless after all. ❜

❛ i don't think i've ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ you never cared about me, so why now? ❜

❛ why didn't you kill me when you had the chance? ❜

❛ i don't even remember why we started fighting. ❜

❛ i don't have time for distractions right now. ❜

❛ you're not as bad as everyone says you are. ❜