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[b][center][color=#219976]ɪ   ғ ᴏ ᴜ ɴ ᴅ[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=#219976]ᴊᴀᴅᴇ ᴊᴀɢᴜᴀʀ[/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=#219976][b][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj6V_a1-EUA]ᴛʜᴇᴍᴇ[/url][/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr]
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   So much time had passed since she had seen him. [i]Heard[/i] from him. And the last thing she [i]did[/i] hear from his kissed bruised lips was [color=ED1C24]“Fuck. Fuck. [i][b]Fuck![/b][/i]”[/color] That can’t bode well. An ominous sign indeed. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as Tlazōlteōtl sat there at the bar, head in her hand, the other lazily stirring her whiskey. The condensation racing down the sides of the glass towards the cocktail napkin just beneath it. [sub][i][color=#00CC99]’What did that even mean. Was it a misunderstanding? He wasn't too drunk, was he? No. That wasn't it. It would take much, much more for mortal's liquor to affect even the youngest of the gods. Then what?[/color][/i][/sub] It baffled her to no end. It wasn't her powers. She would never use them on Ares as such. She knew that much at least. A terrible thought cracked across the forefront of her mind, [sub][i][color=#00CC99]’was it all a nasty trick?[/color][/i][/sub]

That alone soured her mood and it seeped from her in droves. She hopped from her spot, downing her drink, and proceeded to walk around the floor between the number of women that had taken up residency at the bar. The Jaguar was packed once more, [i]it was Ladies Night after all[/i], and the throng of veteran and new guests alike were crowding the bar in search of refills and placing new drink orders before the next dancer arrived on the main stage. Quite a few bachelorettes with their bridal party and friends this evening, [sub][i][color=#00CC99]’Expect large tips tonight boys…’[/color][/i][/sub]

As they swarmed the bar, Tlazōlteōtl lightly gave them a pat on the shoulder or hand, asking how it was they were enjoying themselves, listening to their idle chit chat, work her magic and then move on to the next one. However, a voice stopped her in her tracks. It wasn't familiar by any means, but it wasn't unfamiliar either. Something about it gnawed at the back of her mind. [sub][i][color=#00CC99]’Where did she know it from?’[/color][/i][/sub] A few seats down from where the goddess stood was a beautiful woman with hair like flaxen gold curled and tousled over her shoulders, her tone seemed anxious but her voice was feathery and light indicative to a warm natured soul. But it wasn’t just the sound of the mysterious woman’s voice that caused her bead to swivel, it was her words calling out for [i]Alex[/i] to call her back.

It could have been because Ares was taking up all the available real estate in her mind, but there was something just tugging her to get closer. To determine if this was intertwined together or, like it would most likely be, a complete coincidence. A cruel joke by the fates, surely, but a coincidence nonetheless.

Approaching the [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d4/f3/5c/d4f35c4d41922138f2eb11e8b6e3478b.jpg]blonde[/url] without being spotted was a simple enough task to complete, she seemed completely focused on whatever conversation she was having with the voicemail on the other end. She was setting the phone down by the time Tlazōlteōtl sidled up next to her, [color=#00CC99]”Trouble in paradise?”[/color] an alluring lilt to her voice so as not to come off as [i]completely[/i] nosey, as she nodded towards the phone still clutched in the woman’s perfectly manicured hands. Upon closer inspection to the woman she realized that she was unfamiliar to her. Then what was it about her voice that pulled her this way? [sub][i][color=#00CC99]It couldn’t have simply been because of the mention of Alex… how many Alexes were there in the world? Too many that’s for damn sure…’[/color][/i][/sub]

Tlazōlteōtl is nearly floored when she catches the home screen of the woman’s phone as she goes to set it down. There, lit up for all the world to see, had anyone decided to just look down for those last fifteen seconds or so, would bear witness to Ares in all his mortal glory. A [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/07/97/91/0797911f09e15d875cd84c3a48a6bbbc.jpg]picture[/url] of him like no one had ever seen, or rather not many have seen. A side of him that was so well guarded that it had even taken her, the Goddess of Filth and Purification, quite some time before being graced with seeing him so content and relaxed and just… [i]happy[/i]. It would have caused jealousy and rage to brew deep within her belly, at seeing his picture on her phone - this random mortal - if she weren’t so curious and confused.

The girl had just released a worried sigh and lowered her phone when Tlaz – a stranger to her – had approached her. She was a little surprised at first, but then looked at the phone the stranger was pointing at. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“Oh no, it’s just… he promised to call me back and he didn’t but it’s fine. It’s fine. It happens.”[/b][/color] She dismissed it with casual ease. But her voice betrayed a little worry. Alex hadn’t been home yesterday. Or today. That wasn’t new, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t feeling worried about him. Her sweet Alex. Did something happen to him? Wait… someone was talking to her. She shook herself loose of the worry as she extended her hand. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I’m so sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Julie!”[/b][/color] She said with a bright smile.

[sub][i][color=#00CC99]'A name to a face,’[/color][/i][/sub] Tlazōlteōtl was many things, impolite to patrons was not one of them. Well, not unless they demanded it. This young woman didn't deserve it and therefore Tlazōlteōtl was cordial enough with an exotic smile and offering her hand. [color=#00CC99]"A pleasure, Julie, I am Lalli Teotl; owner of the Jade Jaguar. May I be the first to welcome you into my establishment with a refreshment. Yasmin is a mix master, on the house of course."[/color] The tawny skinned goddess noticed that her company was going to refuse when she punctuated her statement with an [color=#00CC99]"I insist, that way you can tell me all about this... guy. I've been told I'm an excellent listener,"[/color] her fingertips barely touched Julie's exposed shoulder, but that's all it took for a brilliant smile to grace her face, a nod and Tlazōlteōtl was ordering towards Hathor with just a glance.

This mortal held connections with Ares. Connections that he had neglected to mention and divulge any time he was in her presence. Granted, there were things that she kept from him but in all fairness, he never inquired about her sex life; not really... but she [i]had[/i] questioned him about it before. Many a time in fact. He always managed to dodge the question, or brush off her words with a knowing smirk, a lick to his lips and a gaze that just traveled over her before he derailed the topic. The thought struck her, had he always held a sort of power over her? Without her realizing? All signs pointed to yes, if the other night was any indication. Those were questions for another time. For now, her attention was turned to the mortal beside her, drinks now placed before them, Tlazōlteōtl took her drink in hand sipping lightly a question danced past her lips, [color=#00CC99]"So, tell me Julie, what troubles you? How are you enjoying yourself,"[/color] and subtle nod back to the now black screen of her phone, [color=#00CC99]"All things considered?"[/color]

[color=#d8d8d8][b]“Oh nothing is troubling me, really.”[/b][/color] She quickly said, as she took the tiniest sip of the drink she could. Only if you looked really closely could have seen the liquid sit lower in the glass now. It wasn’t because she disliked the drink. Quite the opposite, it was delicious! But Julie knew she was a lightweight. What she had said was a lie though. As she kept glancing at her phone, hoping for a message from Alex. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I’m just here with some friends.”[/b][/color] She then continued, turning around to point at a table where a bunch of girls were sitting, cheering and laughing with drinks that various guys bought for them in their hands. All of them were models, colleagues [i](or ex-colleagues technically)[/i] of Julie. Though some had brought their boyfriends along. The sight made Julie ache. Alex never went out with her and her friends. They only went on dates alone. All her friends kept bugging her to introduce him but he was adamant about it. He was adamant about many things but they never constrained her. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I just… kind of wished Alex would’ve come out with me.”[/b][/color] She muttered. But then turned to face Lalli again. She wasn’t sure why the proprietor of such a big club would talk to little old her. She wasn’t anything special. Half her friends were more beautiful than she was. And she was just a photographer. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“The club is really beautiful though! This is the first time I’ve been inside. And the first time I’ve seen someone use teal instead of red!”[/b][/color]

Tlazōlteōtl was no stranger to the longing, forlorn look in her eyes, the telltale sign of weariness creeping into her voice as she spoke the words, as if speaking them aloud would miraculously summon him to her side. Or at least ring her phone. All signs that she herself felt towards a certain conniving messenger god. Many thanks were ushered from her as she accepted the compliments from this mortal. She knew her club was unique, but it never hurt to hear more praise. Especially praise as genuine as the ones she was currently receiving.

[color=#00CC99]"Men…"[/color] she began, tapping a nail against the thick of her glass, [color=#00CC99]"they need us to grab them by the tie and force their attention back to us. They get so lost in their own little worlds that they tend to neglect their other duties,"[/color] Tlazōlteōtl smirked as her eyes raked over Julie, a beautiful mortal indeed before taking a long sip of her drink.

The ice settled at the bottom of the glass making the smallest of twinkling sounds. [color=#00CC99]"Let's see 'im,"[/color] she gestured almost impatiently, [color=#00CC99]"Who is this man who is distracting you from Ladies Night…"[/color]

[color=#d8d8d8][b]“Oh Alex isn’t like that!”[/b][/color] Julie quickly said as she quickly went through her phone to pull the right picture of him. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I mean I know he’s away for long and sometimes just can’t answer his phone. But he always comes back. And he always got flowers and chocolates and…”[/b][/color] Her words trailed off, but only because she remembered all the good things he did. All the effort he made. [b]“He’s always with me when I need him.”[/b] She found the picture she had taken. One of the few ones she was in, kissing a soaked looking Ares. Julie handed the phone to Lalli as she told the story behind it. 

[color=#d8d8d8][b]“Molly, my cat, died three years ago. I couldn’t do anything. I just cried the whole day. That night I just sent him a small message. We had just started dating back then. I didn’t want to weigh him down and I knew I was going to be a mess for weeks. It was better to.. you know.. finish it.”[/b][/color] Even though she knew that wasn’t the end, even uttering those words made her heart break a little. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“An hour later he stood at my door. Drenched from the storm. Just to be with me. He cooked for me. He cleaned the house. He made sure everything around me was taken care of. My grandma always told me: ‘Julie, find you a man who does things for you. That’s how men show affection.’”[/b][/color] For a second she stopped to wipe away a tear, one clearly of happiness, away before she continued. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I later learned his car had broken down and that he ran for half an hour through that storm. Two months later he went with me to the animal shelter and we adopted Snowball.”[/b][/color] She finished with a laugh.

She would have let her mind wander, and for a brief moment it did. But not willingly or to something pleasant. No, the thoughts that plagued the mind of the goddess were that of… well she couldn't discern. Being around for as long as she had one would have thought the words would be present for her use. [i]Bitterness? Resentment? Contempt?[/i] None of them aptly captured her inner turmoil.

Not only was this woman someone who knew Ares, as Alex of course, but someone with whom he shared his softer side. A caring side, completely separate from who he was that she knew. Were they not as close as she once believed? Did he not care for her as he did for this mortal? The events from the previous evening crossing her mind. A kiss that shook her to her core, and him as well, though it seemed for very different reasons. He had someone to go home to. Someone to cherish and embrace. To share those kinds of intimate moments with someone who wasn't of Aztec descent. His words echoed within her, [color=ED1C24][i]“I… didn’t see who I should’ve seen...”[/i][/color] of course! How could she have been so blind. Such an idiot. He didn't see her, why would he? What was she to him but a spur of the moment. He was hot blooded and riled up from the aftermath of the Conclave and then with the fight earlier that night. Unshed tears pricked her eyes and she was skilled enough in love lost to blink them away before being noticed.

Taking one last look at the phone she smiled softly, melancholic even. [color=#00CC99][i]"He's always been a great guy…"[/i][/color] the words uttered under her breath were meant to go unheard, though with the way Julie's posture changed she knew it wasn't the case. Backtracking, Tlazōlteōtl cleared her throat before passing the phone back, [color=#00CC99]"Alex Miknosos right? We've known each other for awhile now,"[/color] she gave a slight chuckle, [color=#00CC99]"We were colleagues for the longest time, way back when."[/color]

Upon passing the phone back to her she took note of the screen lighting up, much like the smile he wore in the photo. She wondered, somberly, did he ever feel that elated in her presence? Did he ever believe there could have been more between them?

Julie furrowed her brow a little as Lalli looked at the picture. For a split second she thought she saw recognition in her eyes. No, not just recognition. Something different. Something darker. No, no that was impossible. Why would anyone dislike Alex? He was such a sweet person. Sure he could look a little intimidating but he wouldn’t dare hurt a fly. But when the woman before her said something about how he had always been a great guy, her expression turned a little lighter. Hopeful. Did she know Alex!? Then the bombshell fell. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“Oh my god! You worked for Aegis Capital!?”[/b][/color] Julie exclaimed as she took back her phone. Missing the melancholy in Lalli’s smile entirely.  She couldn’t believe it. Finally she met someone from  his history! [color=#d8d8d8][b]“How was he like back then? Like was he always so guarded about things?”[/b][/color] She asked as her eyes were practically sparkling. Maybe she’d finally get some more answers about who Alex used to be.

Whatever Tlazōlteōtl was expecting to happen, this was not it. She was, once again, at a loss for words but managed all the same, [color=#00CC99]"Alex, yeah, guarded is putting it mildly,"[/color] she smiled, body language becoming more relaxed as she leaned in. Reminiscing on all memories shared between them. Ah, the stories she could tell. [color=#00CC99]"He's always been a hardass. Always making sure that the job was done and done right. To the point where he would do it himself. Alex never believed he was above others and expected that if he can lower himself to do the task at hand so could you."[/color]

Memories of moments shared played behind her eyes like a movie, fast forwarding and pausing only slightly on certain instances. One in particular stood out; a night they shared at a seedy bar, smoke clouding the air - thick and heavy - patrons speaking in different languages all hushed as if fearful of whatever they discussed would be overheard and deciphered. Tlazōlteōtl having just lost her only son had been on a bender, far worse than she feared any mortal felt. Ares was there, bumping her shoulders, throwing back drinks with her, allowing her to use him as her own personal punching bag. In hindsight he didn't deserve to be on the receiving end of her grief, but he was there and he allowed it. Offered himself up. Tlazōlteōtl was at rock bottom and he knew it, could sense the sorrow radiating off of her and let her go off, staying with her the entire time. Afterwards he claimed it was because that's what she needed, who was he to stop her from that? And it just made their bond so much more than [i]colleagues[/i]...

It was difficult to pull her from the fond memories of the past, but it was done nonetheless, and she was still seated there with Julie. This human that somehow garnered the attention of Ares and managed to keep it all to herself. A person in his life, regardless of who it was, that had been hidden from all aspects of his true nature. But the same could be said of the reverse, none of the gods knew she existed in such a way as to be this intimate with an immortal.

Tlazōlteōtl kept her mouth shut about any of the dealings that have taken place between the two of them for the sake of Hades and his organization. Even the ones that may or may not have been wholly sanctioned, but that wasn't any of her concern. Business was business after all. Probably why she chose to stay so close to this Julie character. Even though she ached from confusion and envy of knowing that Julie was connected to the source of her anguish, she was still a client, a guest, and therefore will be treated as such.

[color=#00CC99]"Alex is many things, Julie, I have known him for quite some time,"[/color] she went to fiddle with her glass, ice now melted down from the humidity of the bodies dancing around them really wishing she had something else to quench this dry mouth of hers, [color=#00CC99]"but once he sets his mind to something it's nearly impossible to pull him away until it's resolved."[/color] There was no ill will towards this woman, why should there be. She wasn't the one who toyed with her emotions. Wasn't the one who kissed her and ignited unrequited feelings to bloom and burst forth between her ribs and take hold like strangle vines of smoke and musk. No. That was reserved for Ares and the next time she saw him. For now, she just offered a slow, firm pat to the top of Julie's hand and as warm of a smile as she could muster with the amount of conflicting emotions surging through her.

The way Lalli spoke of Alex, she definitely knew him. Maybe as deep as Julie thought she knew him. Maybe she knew him even better than she did. For all their years together, he has rarely shared anything about his own past. It was like he was a ghost that just appeared in her life. He met her parents, went to weddings with her, took her out on dates in the most beautiful restaurants. Meanwhile she didn’t even know the name of his mother. Only once did he slip up and basically revealed that he had siblings. But she never met one in her life. Sometimes, during boring family events, she found herself fantasizing about the people that raised the one she loved. What were they like? They must’ve been the best people on the earth to raise someone like Alex. At those family events though Alex seemed to enjoy himself immensely. Maybe he just never met often with his own family.

But still, the way Lalli spoke of Alex… she knew him well. Better than her, maybe. The way this woman spoke as she fiddled with her glass. Did she know him from more than work? Had they been… [i]together[/i]? Of course Julie felt envious about that. For a second she kept silent, letting the music fill the quiet void between them. Then, when she had gathered enough courage, she bit down on her lip and asked: [color=#d8d8d8][b]“Did you… I mean were you two… [i]more[/i] than colleagues once?”[/b][/color]

[color=#00CC99]"There was a time,"[/color] she began, her thoughts drifting to the number of times throughout history where the idea of a more intimate relationship could have sprung forth from their friendship. However at her words she could physically see Julie's posture contort and deflate before she continued, [color=#00CC99]"Where I believed that we could have been."[/color] There was something within herself that she was sure even the densest of mortals could sense, something so dismal that swarmed the words that fell from her lips.

So, with a quick switch in gears she added with a subdued sigh and a comical shrug, trying to seem as nonchalant about it all as best as she could. But the words, and just the entire situation of it all. Being here where it happened, talking with [i]her[/i] it made it all so surreal. [color=#00CC99]"But it seemed the Fates had different plans for the two of us, he's found you and I've never seen him as lively and elated as he's been these last few years."[/color] The corners of her lips were pulled into a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes but Tlazōlteōtl had had many a year to perfect the imposter.

Julie blushed and pursed her lips a little when she heard Lalli had never seen Alex so lively and elated. It felt like a compliment that was far too generous. She had to admit, when Lalli said ‘There was a time’ she felt envious. Afraid even! Who was she compared to such a beautiful and confident woman? Someone who worked with Alex. Who knew him much longer than she did. Someone that owned a club as big as this one! But when she continued, her heart eased up. Nothing happened and all was good.

She was about to ask then, with a big smile on her face, about Ares’ family. About everything they did together. About how he was when he was maybe younger. About his siblings. But her barrage of questions was quickly halted by her phone vibrating. She quickly checked the caller ID, hoping not to appear rude. But when she saw the name of the one calling, her entire face lit up. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“I’m so sorry I have to take this!”[/b][/color] She almost squealed towards Lalli before picking up.

[color=#d8d8d8][b]“Hey!”[/b][/color] She said, elated, through the phone. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“Guess where I am! No. Nope. Alex, I’m with Cynthia! Nope. Not even close.”[/b][/color] She winked playfully at Lalli before her. Tlazōlteōtl had already stood from her long seated position, glancing around through the crowds of people culminating within the teal and green walls of the Jaguar. It had become even more busy in the time that she's spent with the mortal. As Julie continued with her call with Ares, Tlazōlteōtl made sure to keep her ears open, straining to hear anything of his from the other side of the phone; especially at the mention of her name. [color=#d8d8d8][b]“The Jade Jaguar! And I’ve met someone. Lalli, the owner of the club! She told me a lot about you already! Oh, tomorrow? Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I can’t make it. No, no I have a shoot in the morning. No, no you go! And tell her I’m dying to meet her! Alright. Alright, I’ll do that. Okay and Alex… I love you.”[/b][/color] With that she ended the phone call and looked at Lalli again. Tlazōlteōtl believed that with that one innocent look that she was trying, [i]searching[/i], for any signs or tells that the goddess would be affected by those three little words. Tlazōlteōtl had to sing her own praises as she kept a neutral, friendly appearance. Or so she hoped. Though she doubted that there was any malicious bone in this mortal's frame.

[color=#d8d8d8][b]“Sorry… I hadn’t heard of him in almost two days. I really wanted to take that.”[/b][/color] She apologized, looking both extremely excited and just a little bit sad as well. Tlazōlteōtl only nodded, not really knowing what to say in this sort of situation. Well, she knew what she [i]could[/i] say, but that would serve her no purpose other than trouble. So, she stood there, empty glasses in hand as she was about to take her leave letting Julie get back to her evening out with friends just as those words left her mouth, [color=#d8d8d8][b]“[i]Oh[/i] and you have Alex’s regards.”[/b][/color][hr][right] [sub]collab: [@Legion02] mentions: [@Akayaofthemoon] [@Danvers] [i]i think hermes is mentioned[/i] 🤔 [/sub]
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