love and beauty

The smile that Hephaestus offered her was polite, of course, but he could feel a slight strain in the air. It was likely one of his own making, likely one he’d imagined, but he found he was so incredibly ill at ease that he was unsure of how to manage it moving forward. A long breath escaped his lips, quietly, and he inclined his head. He needed to get is together. It was becoming obvious, to Hephaestus anyway, that he knew much more than Aphrodite did; making comments that were so obviously intimate was likely not the best of ideas.

Her raised brow and smile made him feel a bit more at ease, but Hephaestus knew well just how much Aphrodite could lock up when the moment called for it. He wondered, idly, if her mortal counterpart could do the same. A light chuckle moved through the air and Hephaestus ran his hand along his jawline. “Or perhaps I’m simply more perceptive than most.” In another world, in another life, perhaps he would have been accused of flirting – badly, of course.

“I don’t believe you will be disappointed,” he pointed out, smile still present. The shop was rather tiny but he was a regular and so one of the baristas came over to take his order. With a smile, he greeted her and then Hephaestus gestured to the woman in front of him. “I’ll have the usual and then whatever the lady likes.”

There was something about him that was starting to feel familiar, and the familiarity was only growing as they continued on. It was incredibly strange, for Scarlett was quite certain that they had never met before, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she somehow knew him. She could almost predict his mannerisms, as if she had seen the way he brushed his jawline, or heard his chuckles before.

As strange as it all seemed, she tried not to let her puzzlement show on her face. She didn’t need to be explaining to a perfect stranger - because that’s what he was - that she somehow might know him. They didn’t know each other, she was sure. And yet, when he spoke, Scarlett could have sworn that she had heard those words before, and from him no less. It was all she could do to smile and nod, “It seems that you might just be.”

She listened carefully as he ordered, curious if anything else might seem off, hardly paying attention to anything to do with the coffee shop, until the barista in front of her gave a small noise. Shaking her head, she offered an apologetic smile, “Forgive me, please.” Her words were smooth and melodic, the kind that came from someone that no one could be upset with for too long. “A double macchiato with soy milk, please.” She gave another smile, before turning back to her companion - had she even learned his name? “It seems you’ve left quite the impression on the place.”

Scarlett couldn’t get Aaron out of her head. She’d be lying if she claimed it had nothing to do with the flood of images that had come with their kiss, but it would be just as dishonest to say that that was the only reason. His presence was intoxicating, and she was craving more.

She had never been one who needed to work out. Her physique was well enough maintained, and though she attended a few yoga and spin classes a week, Aaron’s gym was never somewhere she’d typically be seen. Still, she approached, clad, of course, as one would expect of a woman entering a gym, though her pride would never let her be ordinary. Her leggings hugged just so, her crop hitting at the exact right spot to show off just enough, even if it was currently covered with a coat. That could be fixed soon. A bag was positioned in the crook of her arm - beer for him, spiked seltzers for her. He could get her drinking out of a can, but beer still wasn’t in her palette.

The door made little noise as she entered, and she quickly laid eyes on the nearest employee. Scarlett could see the confusion and declination as he took in a breath “I’m sorry, ma’am, we’re closing -” but he didn’t get to finish. She knew it was only ten minutes until they’d all be gone. It was exactly what she wanted. And so, she raised a perfectly arched brow, setting the bag down, and began to pull off her coat. 

“If you’d be sweet enough to go find Aaron, I do think he’d like to see me.” Her face was a mix of a smile and a challenge for him to defy her, and she gave a small nod as the man turned away from her.

How many times had they stood just like this? No, not them. Scarlet was not Aphrodite, something that was becoming harder to remember especially as she stood so close and reached a hand to hold his neck. His other hand dipped lingering on her hip but he didn’t unlace his fingers from her other hand.

And then he hesitated. 

Ares was not a god who hesitated like Aaron was a mortal who did not hesitate. They dove straight into things, acting long before they had a chance to think it through. Standing there with Aphrodite, Scarlet, he couldn’t help the feeling that he was going to mess it all up somehow. That was what he did.

Then he wasn’t hesitating, he was acting. He pressed his lips against hers, gently at first and then not so gently.

Scarlett had to know it was coming. She was no fool, especially when it regarded men, and Aaron read like a book. Still, it wasn’t any less exciting in the moment. That would never change, she thought.

Her lips found his almost immediately, and everything seemed to immediately fall into place. It was right, and something told her that it would always be right to feel his hand at her hip, and his lips pressed against hers. She eagerly met his own pace, not caring who on the sidewalk was watching.

And then, out of nowhere, everything turned around. Her eyes had been closed, but the images that began appearing seemed all together real, circling around as if all on a carousel - there was Aaron, staring at her with a kind of intensity that she hadn’t yet seen, but it wasn’t him. A golden apple, sun streaming in from somewhere. The sea, and a dozen faces she knew from a dream she couldn’t remember. 

Scarlett nearly fell back from him, the hand that had been laced with his finding a new place on her own temple - why was her head pounding? “I - I’m so sorry -” This wasn’t her. Scarlett Leclaire was not one to act like this, sputtering and unsure. “I - I don’t know what’s come over me...”

@seasrising​

Scarlett took his hand and led the way as Aphrodite had countless times before.He took the opportunity, as she had known he would, to look her over and take in every gorgeous curve and hoped that the little similarities he noticed were signs that his lover was not hidden too far below the surface. 

He was amused by their difference in height in a way he hadn’t been when she had been immortal. Aphrodite’s presence had been such that he had not always noticed her height. Now that Scarlett stood beside him he could only think that she was cute. “It is a good park. Big. Green.”

“You could never be boring or predictable,” he said, speaking of a familiarity that Aaron had no right to. He tugged at her hand wanting to turn her to face him. Outside, with the lights and noise of New York he no longer wanted to walk. He wanted to touch her, to hold her. 

She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her at his commentary on the park. “You’re not wrong,” but she was still smiling, unable to even try to hide it. Not that she would even want to. Scarlett was having a marvelous time, and he deserved to know that.

She noticed the kind of familiarity in the tone of his voice, but payed it little attention. They had been circling each other for years, after all. And besides, she would have been lying to try and claim that she didn’t feel a level of familiarity herself. She couldn’t put a finger on it, but something about being near Aaron felt very much comfortable. It was a shame that they had waited so long for this night.

A bemused brow raised as he pulled her back, and she turned, keeping it raised as she faced him. She was almost sure that she could sense what was going through his mind, though she found that she didn’t mind at all. “Well hello,” her smile was softer now, a kind of warmth in it that hadn’t shown earlier in the night. She let the hand that wasn’t laced through his find a home on the back of his neck, not breaking eye contact she she did. 

“Hey, I don’t mince words. You know that. You deserve all of my praise.” But Ella was crafty. It’s not that the words she said were false, because they were well deserved, truly. But she knew the way Scarlett worked. And she knew the way Scarlett turned with a compliment thrown her way. “Wouldn’t the world just love that? That happiness looks good on Ella Vandertrap, too.”

And then Scarlett was glowing, which… of course she was. Ella got it. Not only was she completely caught in the throws of her relationship with Brant, but also to some, Aaron might be a prize. “A beauty. And a good spirit. But not the smartest. He tried to negotiate with me.. which was… it was something.” She liked Aaron, and it was clear how Scarlett felt. There was no point in folding her hand. “Oh it is, indeed. I haven’t had a serious relationship since high school which is crazy. I was too busy at Harvard. No one captured my attention enough.” That wasn’t exactly true. Ella had been hurt with the men who used her in the last few years, but she’d never admit it out loud. “Oh Brant. I’m sure he was more than willing to buy you a new coffee and offer to pay for the cleaning bill, yes?” She shook her head with an amused smile. “I don’t know, but I feel secure now, with Brant. It’s just nice to feel stability in something. In someone. I’ve never felt this way before, you know? It’s gross but he makes my days brighter.”

“And I’m honored to receive it.” Scarlett beamed, knowing how much a true compliment from Ella meant. Naturally, she was used to receiving them from others, but there was an added level of distinction when it came from New York’s own harshest critic. “Happiness and love look good on anyone, dear. Even you’re not immune to that.”

“Is that so?” Her voice trailed as she smiled, shaking her head. Others could say what the wanted about Aaron, but the facts didn’t change for her. Something pulled her to him, there was something intensely electric there, and she couldn’t ignore it. “A man who’s not a master negotiator isn’t the worst to have around though, is he?” And then Ella had that look again. She had no business hiding it - Scarlett wasn’t in the business of spreading rumors and gossip, and probably supported love more than anyone else in the city. “Oh yes, he was a perfect gentleman after the ordeal. But that’s not gross! We all deserve to feel that way - the sunlight that someone can bring is paralleled by none. I’m delighted to see you this way, dear, really.”

“As I said - there is really nothing extraordinary that is going on in my life. I would tell you if there was! In all truthfulness. I have been looking for more excitement, but it seems to be avoiding me at all costs. I met up with an old friend at a bar, and expected the night to go differently than it did, but, as it turns out, he was hung up on an old love who does not remember him, so I spent the night comforting him as he wanted nothing at all to do with me.” Alexandre didn’t mind telling her about what was going on in his life; he just wished that he had a little more excitement to report back on. 

“It is not flattery if it is true.” He didn’t mind complimenting her - in all truthfulness, he believed that she deserved every ounce of the compliments that she was paid. “Anyone would be nervous around you, and I mean that in the most flattering way possible. You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen, and that makes people nervous. Even big, handsome… eh- gym men like him.” He laughed, leaning into the hand on his cheek and closing his eyes for just a moment. “I would do anything to help you.”

“How on earth can excitement avoid you? I’d think you attract it at every turn.” She listened as he spoke though, intrigued by his response. “An old love who doesn’t remember him? How interesting... tragic, of course, but interesting.” How could one forget a love? Scarlett had many flames in her past, and even if she didn’t keep track of all of them, surely she wouldn’t jut forget them? “I’m sure he appreciated the comfort, either way. Sometimes the best way to show affection is simply being there.”

Scarlett beamed as he continued to speak. If it were anyone else in the world she may doubt the truthfulness of their words, or believed that they were only complimenting her to get something from her. But she believed every word from Alexandre’s mouth to be genuine. “Second only to you of course, my dear.” She laughed as he continued, waving a hand in front of her. “You truly are one of the best people on this earth. Though I’m sure you already knew that.”

Addie turned to the full length mirror in the corner of her room - which she thought might be attributed to her mother’s influence, although it could just be a holdover from her mortal life - and frowned into it. Scarlett was, once again, right; it was a nice dress, and she looked nice in it, and it was suitable for any number of other occasions. But maybe not for a first date. 

“Do you think I should change something? Or maybe the right shoes will help?” She didn’t have a huge shoe collection - honestly, she preferred flats when possible, although she had her fair share of heels, of course. “Or I could pick another dress. What do you think?”

Scarlett was used to people coming to her for such advice, though her normal contacts weren’t typically so invested in her opinions. It was flattering of course, and she certainly knew what she was talking about, but still. She gave very few, if any, assistants this much attention. There was something special about the girl that had intrigued Scarlett, causing her to take her under her wing in such a way.

“What do you think, Adelaide?” She joined the girl in the frame of the mirror, standing behind her as she looked forward at the image presented in front of them. “You know that every outfit tells a story. What story are you trying to tell tonight?”

Hephaestus paused as she straightened his collar, ignoring the way his stomach clenched at the touch. It was so innocuous, so innocent, and yet it harkened back memories of their past, of domestic scenes very much like this. [ Oh, there were days they had tried, years and decades even, but none of it mattered now, as the woman he’d married looked at him as if he was little more than a stranger on the street. Which, he supposed, he was. ] A chuckle left his chest, though it was weaker in his inflection – Aphrodite didn’t know him right now, so he supposed she would not notice. “Thank you,” he said, clearing his throat just once before giving her a small, yet sincere, smile.

As they walked, he felt a strange sort of vindication that Ares had not been, entirely, accurate in the words he’d said and the tales he’d spun. But he ignored thoughts of his brother as she spoke once more and his lips turned upwards in a smirk that was more knowing than it should have been. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me in the least,” he said, his words honest with a tinge of fondness in them that was likely inappropriate given their circumstances. Realizing that, perhaps, a moment too late, he shook his head and offered another apologetic smile.

A laugh, more booming than before, entered the air between them and Hephaestus shook his head as he gestured to the small coffee shop that was just in front of them. “I wouldn’t say I’m an expert,” he responded with a shrug of one shoulder. “Merely someone who has exacting standards and is always pleased when they are fulfilled.”

“Oh, there’s no need,” Scarlett waved off his thanks with her hand. If anything, fixing the jacket was as much for her sake as it was for his. Had she not, it would have been the only thing she could have focused on for the remainder of their time in each other’s company, and she wouldn’t be having that. Especially since he was turning out to be so decent. Yet, he seemed still full of surprises. The look on his face, flashing only for a moment, told her that there was something brewing beneath the surface, but she couldn’t quite put a finger on it. There was a level of intrigue in him, even if Scarlett couldn’t place it yet.

The intrigue only grew as he spoke again. There was a level of familiarity in his voice, one that Scarlett was sure she had not matched, any previous conversation accounted for. She was not familiar with this man, and even if he was proving to not be terrible, there was no changing the circumstances that had placed them on their walk. Still, she raised a brow and offered a smile, ever able to let things roll off her shoulders, at least outwardly. “Perhaps I’m not as surprising as I had hoped...”

She looked towards where he had gestured, the coffee shop coming in view as they came closer. She didn’t recognize it, though, she was entirely loyal to her regular stop. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to put them to the test and see if they really do deliver to such high standards,” she gave a small nod as they approached, not entirely doubting him, but not sure either.

He laughed along with her laugh - she was telling the truth, after all, at least in his case. Lucky for her, perhaps, Alexandre hadn’t had the most exciting life as of late. Every possible person he’d met with recently had either been very firmly set on the fact that they were taken or seemed to disappear before he could even get a kiss in. He ought to change that, he thought to himself. Maybe by going out one night. He’d figure that out sooner rather than later.

“Oh, please, mon chérie, you are more dignified than most I have met, regardless of birth year.” He knew what sort of game she was playing, but he didn’t mind playing along. Leaning a bit closer once again as she continued to talk about Aaron, he rested his chin on his knuckles, smiling. “Oh, you got him in a suit? As long as he is playing along with what makes you happy, he seems good for you. Did he seem to enjoy the night as much as you did?” His smile softened as she told him that she was delightfully happy, nodding. “Good. I cannot stand to see you any other way. If he ever hurts you, I will kick his ass.” Alexandre giggled - if he was as strong as she said he was, he doubted that that was a fight that he would win, but there were other ways to fight someone that weren’t just physical, after all.

“You talk about it all the time, and yet you’ve told me nothing! We can sit here for hours discussing my life, and you know I’d do so quite willingly, but you must fill me in on your life as well, dear.” Scarlett’s words were genuine, she truly cared to know how Alexandre had been. He hadn’t mentioned any romantic escapades, which seemed rather odd for him.

“You do flatter me, darling,” but oh how she adored it. Others may have grown tired of her way of always being able to draw a compliment, but she was lucky that Alexandre didn’t. The young model understood her in a way most people didn’t, and she was glad for his companionship. “Actually, he seemed quite nervous at first,” Scarlett couldn’t help but grin as she thought back. “But he had found himself by the end.” His next words made her laugh, eyes twinkling as she shook her head, an affectionate hand finding a home on his cheek. “I love you for that, my dear, but I assure you, I can take down a man perfectly fine using my own devices. But perhaps you could help.” Still, even in her teasing, something told her that that time wouldn’t come.

“You’re an absolute gem, you know that? And you are aware that any of these pieces would look terribly divine on you, right? It’s like you were made for haute-couture, I swear to god.” Ella could already imagine showing up to a glittery holiday party, with this dress and Brant on her arm. She couldn’t help but light up, just thinking about it.

Ella noted a flicker in Scarlett’s eye, a look of recognition. But she also saw the composure that the woman continued to hold herself with. It was impressive, in the least. Ella knew that she was a reactionary, so for someone else to hold it together stood out to her. “Well, damn Scarlett! You get yours!” She grinned. “He’s really quite… wow. I’m not surprised, though. You must have your pick of whoever you want.” She grinned down at her phone, and this time Scarlett’s reaction was bigger. She was sputtering, coughing, and Ella found that odd, cocking her own head to the side. “Why do you know Brant? That’s.. peculiar.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I’ve even been wearing more casual clothing around him. But I will say he’s quite delicate with the couture when he’s taking it off me.”

“You flatter me, Ella dear.” Not that Scarlett had any particular issue with that. Ella had seemed to learn what many already knew - Scarlett took extremely well to compliments. She didn’t even try to hide it anymore. And why should she? “But pair that dress with the smile you just had, and no one will be able to take their eyes away from you this season.”

Ella’s reaction to her news about Aaron only caused her grin to grow. “He really is quite something, isn’t he?” She couldn’t help the giddiness that overtook her when she spoke of Aaron. It was new, and it was exciting, and she deserved to be happy about both of those things. “Oh, I’m certain you have the same sort of ability. But, we both know that even with that, finding someone special is quite exciting, is it not?” Previous reaction aside, Scarlett shook her head with a laugh at Ella’s next words. “We had a run in in the park - quite literally. I’m afraid my custom leather is still in recovery from it.” While Scarlett would have never imagined the stranger who doused her in coffee to be Ella’s new beau, she couldn’t ignore how happy the younger woman looked. “You seem happy, Ella. Is it all to be accounted to him?”

iii @seasrising​

An Aphrodite smile was like a revelation and Scarlett’s smile was pretty close. He smiled back at her grin and tried to think of where his favourite place in the city might be. He liked his bed and he liked his gym, but they both seemed a touch boring to name as his favourite places. He didn’t want her to think he was simple, something that wouldn’t have bothered him had he not run into Hephaestus earlier. 

He offered Scarlett his hand to lead her through the restaurant and out to the street. He still wanted to touch her and this was the most appropriate way he could think to do it - not that he wanted to be appropriate.  If he didn’t think it would embarrass her he would be very inappropriate.

“Dunno. The rib place down the street from my gym is actually pretty good. But other than that? Dog park’s alright. Madison Square Garden maybe. What’s yours?”

Scarlett took his hand, but took a step ahead of him as the exited the restaurant. The tables were close enough together that they could only fit through one at a time, and while she was sure his backside was a fantastic view, she relished in being able to do a little showing off of her own. It certainly wasn’t hurting anyone, anyway.

Once they made it outside she was able to stand beside him, unable to ignore how naturally they seemed to fit together. Perhaps she was being a romantic, but she really always had been at her heart. And something about Aaron felt right, in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever. Things were easy with him, almost as if they had done all of this before. But that was preposterous, Scarlett knew. Still, it had been a wonderful evening.

“It’s very unoriginal for me to admit, but I walk through Central Park every morning before work. It feels like the heart of the city, in a way.” She gave a small grin as she looked up at him. “I hope that doesn’t make me boring and predictable. I would hate to be either of those things.”

Harmonia kept back her urge to ask what her mother thought of her little home - or do something else to try and win her approval. It was enough for now that Scarlett wasn’t openly criticizing anything. Addie’s face heated up a little as she nodded. Of course she needed to try it on. “Yes, just give me a minute!” She turned toward the bathroom then stopped and waved at her bed and the nearby armchair. “You can sit, obviously, if you want.” She had friends over when she could manage it and was normally much better at hosting, but it was entirely different to have her mother here. Her mother, who didn’t know her. 

She was glad for the chance to compose herself a bit in the bathroom, as she pulled the dress on and settled it and ran her hands through her hair. The dress was a bit shorter than what she usually wore, which made it great for a date. “So here it is,” she said, stepping out and twirling for effect. “I really like it - but do you think it’s a good first date dress?”

Scarlett nodded as the girl scurried off, though she didn’t take the seat that was offered. It wouldn’t have been proper to sit on the bed, and while the armchair looked inviting enough, she chose instead to observe the room. She certainly wasn’t prying, just taking an interest in her assistant. One could learn quite a bit about a person from their rooms, and she had taken a genuine liking to the girl. She couldn’t quite explain it, she had found most of her assistants irritating and lazy, but Adelaide was different.

It wasn’t long before the girl returned, and Scarlett turned, looking her up and down. The dress fit her nicely, and she looked good in it, but it was missing something. “You look cute,” the word wasn’t entirely a compliment, though it wasn’t meant to come out harsh either. “But it doesn’t make a statement.”

Scarlett knew exactly what to say. Where things might sound fake coming from Ella’s lips, they sounded honest coming from Scarlett. That could have been more frustrating, but Ella appreciated it, nonetheless. It was a bit harder for Ella to connect to other women; she always had the most competitive streak. But it was nice to feel the mutual respect that they had for each other.  “The nicest. There are definitely some holiday parties this would work perfectly for. And a rookie? Color me impressed.”

“Well the specific fighters I might be working with… I doubt you’d know them. They’re bottom feeders, at the moment. Their manager, however, you might know? Aaron Griffiths? A bit of a “thing” in that whole community. Totally a looker, a bit too… hulkish for my tastes… but can’t deny the looks.” She shook her head, a blush on her cheeks. “His name is Brant. Well, Brantley Flint. And he’s an absolute dream.” She laughed, a hand coursing through a fur jacket. “I’ve been a bit more quiet about this relationship than I have been with others. Out of respect, to a certain extent. And I’m just… I’m just very happy, and I don’t want that to crash down on me.” She fished her phone out of her purse. “But that’s him. He’s just.. I don’t know. I’m pretty far gone.” It was a picture of Brant holding her dog, and it made her so happy, she could scream.

“I’ll pass along the compliments, and have one of the girls put it aside for you to try.” Her job required a great many things, and while these sort of interactions came with the territory, there was something much more genuine in the way Scarlett treated Ella compared to the other socialites she dealt with. There was a level of respect with her, respect for what she had built and done with her life. Scarlett’s respect was hard to earn, but once it was there, it very rarely wavered. 

If she had been another woman, Scarlett would have choked on her champagne when Ella mentioned Aaron’s name. However, she had the sense to maintain her composure, meeting the news with a raised brow and mischievous grin. “Oh, I’m well acquainted with Aaron. Those hulkish arms,” what a description the younger woman had chosen, “are quite nice to hold on a cooler night.” Her grin only deepened, but it didn’t last for long. She thought that she recognized the name, but the moment Ella showed her the picture she knew, and this time, she couldn’t stop herself from sputtering after her sip of champagne, nearly making a fool of herself as various assistants and stylists turned to watch. Finally, someone had the decency to take her flute from her. She coughed for a moment, before shaking her head, regaining her composure. Ella Vandertrap was the last person she expected that man to be dating. He was full of more surprises than she thought. “Excuse me, darling. I do know him. I’m quite delighted to see you so happy, but as a piece of advice, keep the couture away from him. He’s rather clumsy, in my experience.”

“I know exactly what you left off of that list, and I still wonder why you will not say the truth - sex. We are best at it, it is in our blood. Sex and romance.” His lips curled up into a smile, glad that he was getting this time to spend with her. Alexandre was the type to enjoy even the smallest amounts of time with the people he cared about, and Scarlett was definitely close to the top of the list of those people. He was eternally grateful for their friendship that had bloomed out of seemingly nothing, and grateful that she saw the model that he could’ve been when he was still grieving over his loss of football from his life.

“You are a young thing, do not say you are old,” he shook his head firmly, mind already made up. “How was he trying to impress you?” Alexandre was truly curious about her date, just as he was curious about everyone’s romantic lives. The fact that it was Scarlett telling him these things made it even more exciting, though. “There is nothing foolish about feeling this way. To be… excited about someone else is to be happy. And I am glad to see you this happy.”

“Sex, romance, and the need to talk about it all the time!” She laughed, though it was probably true. And besides, she wasn’t a shy and blushing girl who couldn’t talk about such matters. Scarlett had always been rather open, especially with Alexandre. Their bond was unique, she certainly wasn’t telling any of the other models about her life, or her romances. But Alexandre was different, something she had known from the beginning.

“I never said old, dear. But I am a touch more dignified than someone with a later birth year, don’t you think?” She may have been fishing for a compliment, but Alexandre always gave them so well. Their conversation turned back to Aaron though, and she couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face. “A fancy restaurant and a suit are not things that are usually in his comfort zone, from what I gather.” She thought of their joking throughout the evening. “But they are mine. And there we were.” She met Alexandre’s eyes, her smile radiating as she nodded. “I am happy, dear. Delightfully so.”

In truth, he’d have been surprised if she’d taken the jacket even with the knowledge of who they were. The romantic side of him liked to wonder if she would see it as a sweet gesture and indulge him, but then again, the romantic side of him was rather small to begin with. He simply shrugged his shoulders and tossed the jacket back on, ignoring that the collar no longer laid flat.

That’s very kind. He was tempted to laugh aloud at the words that came from her mouth – from his wife’s mouth – but Hephaestus was aware that this woman was no more his wife than Brantley had been her husband. Or at least, that’s likely what she thought. He inclined his head. “You’re welcome.” The words were gruff, though his tone was meant to be warm, and Hephaestus continued to lead the way, doing his best to ignore the chill in the air.

He was nearly tempted to chuckle again, but he found that he didn’t want this mortal version of Aphrodite thinking him a simpleton who laughed at everything – like Ares, he supposed, his mind twisting the words vindictively. “What do you like about surprising others?” he inquired curiously. “Is it the look of shock upon their faces or the intrinsic pride in knowing that you’ve proven someone else wrong?”

It was strange, to hear that teasing tone of voice, speaking to him. Hephaestus delighted in it and for a brief moment, he could forget where they were or what they were doing. Lips curved upwards. “I am,” he drawled, his own tone lighter than before. “I’ve visited nearly every coffee shop in the city over the years.” It had not been hard to do, with his job taking him to so many neighborhoods. “And this one has been, consistently, the best.” 

How very interesting this morning had turned out to be. She had been determined to make it to work on time, and that wasn’t happening. She had been resolved to loathe the man who had ruined her leather, and, as it was seeming, that wouldn’t happen either. Clumsiness aside, he seemed to be a fine man. Perhaps she wasn’t the only one full of surprises.

Scarlett watched as he put the jacket back on, before stopping in her tracks and shaking her head. “No, come here,” she instructed, guessing he would listen. They usually did. “Even if it’s not my cup of tea, it still deserves to be worn correctly,” she tutted as she fixed his collar, folding it so that it lay correctly once more. “There.”

She started walking again, crossing her arms in front of her to conserve her body heat, before looking over at him. “Both,” she had an almost devilish smile as she answered him. The look soon faded though, to something more thoughtful. “I learned early that people don’t always take a pretty face seriously. I delight in proving them wrong.” The smile was back as her eyes turned forward, focusing back on their path. “I do love being right.”

It was surprising to see him smile, though she wasn’t entirely sure why. It wasn’t like Scarlett knew the man, or his mannerisms. Still, she couldn’t push the idea that it didn’t happen often enough. “Look at that, you can be surprising to! I would not have taken you for an expert in the field, and yet you are.”

iii @seasrising​

As the evening had gone on Ares had relaxed, the innate tension that he carried within him had eased in a way that only Aphrodite seemed to be able to do. 

He had finished his last drink and suspected he shouldn’t indulge in any more. He wanted to be impressive, not sloppy. And he had to keep something of a clear head in case he couldn’t keep his memories straight and said something that would make her think he was crazy. 

He smiled at her - how could he not when she looked at him like that, when she looked like that - as he leaned back in his chair. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so content. He didn’t think Aaron ever had.

“Well the evening’s not over yet,” he said though he knew that it was very close to it. They’d finished eating and he’d paid the bill. If he was going to be a gentleman he should be thinking of wrapping up the evening, but now that he had spent time with Aphrodite as Scarlet he didn’t want to let her go. “We could take a short walk. It’s not good to sleep on a full stomach.”

“Is that so?” She questioned his comment, though she did little to hide the fact that that was exactly what she had hoped would happen. 

Dinner was always a safe move for a first date. Conversation could move easily between a pair, and there was a decent enough time limit that one could use to their advantage if things were less than perfect. But, Scarlett had never been someone who played things safe. She challenged rules and expectations left and right, and her dating life was no different. 

If she had been intrigued by Aaron before, her interested had only increased tenfold over the evening, and so, his suggestion was met with a smile.

“That -” she paused, taking a moment to finish the last of the wine from her glass “- sounds like a wonderful, and thoughtful idea. We wouldn’t want to sleep on full stomachs, of course.” She stood with a grin, collecting her bag and coat, before looking up at him. It was the first time that evening that she was really taking his height into account, and even with her high heels, she found herself drawn to the sheer difference in their sizes. “Tell me where your favorite place in the city is.”

Ella took the flute of champagne, with a smile. She held it out to be clinked. “Cheers, to this incredible event. Really! You didn’t have to, and everything looks fabulous. I feel so lucky.” And it was true. Ella didn’t care for being candid with most, but this was quite the selection; Ella knew it was one of a kind. She took a sip, as she started to look at a dress. It was long and silver. Though gold tended to be her more preferred metal tone, it was gorgeous, with such delicate beading. One dress in, and she was already in love.

“Me? Oh. Well. Where to begin! Business is good as usual. I have some new, fairly interesting clients. I’m dealing with fighters now, which feels a bit off brand, but hey… word of mouth goes a long way in any case in this city.” She grinned. “And I have a boyfriend and he’s everything and more. Honestly. I.. You know I haven’t exactly been the type to settle down, but it’s pretty serious. Like can you imagine me? Head over heels for someone? Crazy! But here we are.” She smiled, thinking of Brant. Wondering what he was doing in this exact moment. “How about you? What’s the hot gossip?”

Scarlett beamed as Ella toasted, bringing in her own glass with a small clink, before taking a sip. “Don’t be silly! There’s no one in the city we’d rather have.” Scarlett certainly knew how to throw a bash, and she was glad to see Ella enjoying herself so quickly. The dress she had immediately been drawn to was stunning, and like all those around it, Scarlett knew it would suit the younger girl perfectly. “It’s a beauty, isn’t it? It’s the designer’s premiere year, and you know I don’t usually find interest in rookies, but I couldn’t keep myself away from this one.”

She listened with a smile, though her head tilted to the side at the mention of fighters. “Is that so?” She murmured. “Anyone I would know?” In their circle, everyone knew everyone - but she couldn’t help but wonder if Ella had found her way to Aaron. Her curiosity was soon replaced with elation though, as she shook her head. “Ella Vandertrap, as I live and breathe! Who could be so lucky to call you his own?” Scarlett recognized the look on Ella’s face after she spoke of the mystery beau, it was the look of a woman blissfully happy, and she couldn’t help her own smile. She had always loved love. “Oh, you know me, darling. An open book through and through. But I want to here more about this mystery boyfriend, and want to know why I’m only hearing about him now!”