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[b][center][color=ED1C24]Brunch[/color] & [color=D87093]Bonding[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=white][I]L’Atelier Du Rhöne, Seattle[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][b][color=ED1C24]Ares[/color] & [color=D87093]Hebe[/color][/b][/right][/sup][/indent][hr]
[right][sub]a [@Danvers] & [@Legion02] collab[/sub][/right]

[color=gray][b]“Monsieur Miknosos!”[/b] Exclaimed the Maître d’Hôtel of the prestigious L’Atelier Du Rhöne restaurant. A restaurant that would never advertise itself as a restaurant. It was a tasteful yet extravagant location. A mixture of clinical white and the deepest, most light consuming black. Specially indoor grown vines and plants separated the few tables. Creating both a visual and auditory boundary between each table. It was located on the fourth story of some office building. It is also a place you need to be introduced to. “I have your table for two ready right here.” The man guided Ares to a small table situated right near the glass. Offering a wonderful view of the nearby park and the further skyline of Seattle. Especially now during autumn the view was magnificent. “Anything else I can offer you?”

[color=ED1C24]“A coffee would be fine, thank you Jacques.”[/color] Ares said as he took his seat. The man was quick to assure L’Atelier’s in-house ground coffee would be in front of him within minutes. He looked out the windows into Seattle. Normally he would be pondering on the idea that somewhere out there, he could see his brother’s killer. Was he looking back at him? Or were they arrogant enough to believe Ares wasn’t a threat? If they did, it was a mistake. But they wouldn’t be the first to underestimate him. To his own surprise though, he felt his own thoughts drift along with his vision. Towards one place, now sadly blocked by a building.

Whilst Ares mulled over murder & revenge, an extremely flustered goddess stood outside of the establishment, hands nervously twirling a strand of her long brunette locks. Gently she shifted her weight from foot-to-foot, the restless movement prompting a small whine from the canine stood next to her. [color=D87093]“It’s okay Vivi.”[/color] Smiling lightly down at her companion, Hebe ruffled the soft fur atop her head, receiving a small lick in response. This prompted a glance of disgust from the Maître d standing in front of them, who already looked like he was dealing with little more than shit on his shoe. Letting out a sharp cough, the attention of both the girl and dog were drawn back to the overly snooty employee, whose arms moved to cross stiffly across his chest.

[b]“Like I was saying Miss-” [/b]

[color=D87093]“Cooper.”[/color]

[b]“Miss Cooper. This establishment caters to a very [I]specific[/I] clientele, which thankfully does not include broke college students.”[/b] The air of superiority around the man was almost palpable as he looked her [url=https://imgur.com/gpcvoVg]attire[/url] up and down, a smug smile spreading across his face. [b]“We also have a wait list of several months, which I definitely do not see your name on…”[/b]

[color=D87093]“But I’m meeting someone here. I promise I am!"[/color] Hebe, now looking to be on the verge of tears, pulled her phone from her pocket, beginning to route through her messages. Unfortunately she’d saved everyone by their original names and she, for the life of her, could not remember what surname Ares had graced himself with. [color=D87093]“He’s tall and erm…has dark hair and probably looks a bit grumpy?”[/color] When this [I]still[/I] didn't grant her entry, a momentary pout graced her lips before she let out a small sigh. Even though this man was being extremely rude, she couldn't bring herself to be mad at him - maybe he just had a really stressful job or he'd forgotten to have his coffee this morning. Yet, she also couldn't stand out here forever, so she dialled her big brother's number, anxiously waiting for him to pick up.

The Consigliere of Seattle’s largest mob empire (second largest, some would say) had his contemplations interrupted when the phone in his pocket suddenly started vibrating. Who would dare!? His calendar was very specific. The following hour was reserved for his sister and his sister alone! No matter what happened. No matter if a warehouse full of cocaine was blown up or the ATF lifted an entire container worth of guns headed for Mexico. He would not be interrupted. With fury he grabbed his phone. Ready to tear who ever dared to disobey that order a new one verbally with the promise further punishment later. Yet when he saw the caller ID he instantly softened. “Hebe! How are you?”

[color=D87093]“Ar-”[/color] Glancing at the Maître d, who had fixed her with a hard stare, Hebe moved to shift her body away from him when she heard her brother's voice. Cupping a small hand over her mouth, she began to whisper into the phone, a fretful edge to her words. [color=D87093]“Ares, I’m sooooo sorry I’m late! I’m outside but this guy won’t let me in! He says I’m not the right er…clientele and he’s not being very nice. Help me please!”[/color]

[color=ED1C24]“I see…pass me on would you please?”[/color] Ares said quite calmly as he waited to hear the Maître d’s voice. 

[b]“Alright I have had quite enough of these jokes-“[/b] The man got in before Ares interrupted him.

[color=ED1C24]“Jacques. This is Alexander Miknosos. As I understand it you are currently standing in front of a lovely lady who you’ve deigned to be ‘not your clientele’. Well may I introduce you to my niece. Miss Cooper to you. You will extend her the same courtesy you will extend me, Jacques. Do you understand?”[/color] He made an extra effort not to sound menacing for once.

[b]“But sir- She- The way she’s dressed. It goes against all that is L’Atelier. And she has a dog! A dog sir! I cannot stand for such vulgar displays and breaches of our image.”[/b] The Maître did not have the same desire to hide away what he said. Instead he was looking straight at Hebe and Vitrus beside her with utter disgust. As if he was just asked to let in some mud-covered animal into his own kitchen.

Ares remained silent for a second. Mulling over his next words. [color=ED1C24]“You will let them in, Jacques. As a favor to me.”[/color]

The other side of the phone call went quiet for a while. [b]“Very well then sir.”[/b] Ares heard and that was enough for him to end the call and wait a few more minutes for his favorite sister to come in.

When Jacques reluctantly informed her that she was permitted to enter, Hebe rushed past him, Vivi at her heels. A blush was burning her cheeks from his earlier words, which he had made no effort to disguise. She’d thought her outfit was cute and she found herself pulling self-consciously at the edge of her top as she made her way into the elevator. Hopefully Ares wouldn’t mind that she was wearing something so [I]vulgar[/I]...as it had been so bluntly put. 

When the doors of the elevator doors eventually pinged open, Hebe couldn’t help but let out a small ‘woah’, her eyes widening at the beautiful decor that surrounded her, gaze straying with wonder over to the view the windows cast over Seattle. She probably would’ve stood there admiring the surroundings for much longer, if she hadn’t suddenly spotted her brother, a wide smile spreading across her face when she did. [color=D87093]“Ares! Hi!”[/color] Practically skipping over to him, Hebe instantly moved to wrap her arms around him. [color=D87093]“This place is amazing! I’m so glad that he finally let me in!”[/color] As she pulled away from the hug, Hebe happily looked up at him, any earlier apprehension immediately washed away.

Ares embraced her with the same warmth as she embraced him. All his other siblings would laugh or scoff at him but never Hebe. Never sweet, innocent Hebe. When she let go, he did so as well. [color=ED1C24]“I can assure you Jacques will remember you next time. But please, sit!”[/color] He said, motioning at the chair. [color=ED1C24]“Oh and [i]Hailey[/i]. Let’s be careful with our names.”[/color] He offered with a smile, before taking a seat himself. A waiter almost appeared out of nowhere beside the table. [color=ED1C24]“I shall have a Chambord croissant-“[/color] they were made fresh by the cook, Philippe. [color=ED1C24]“-with a salmon selection and…a tin of Beluga caviar, please.”[/color] He then motioned for Hebe to order whatever she desired. The menu itself showed no prices at all. Like all restaurants of this caliber, even asking towards the price would be extremely impolite.

After taking a seat, Virtus had come to sit at her side, head resting gently against her lap. Hebe moved one hand to play with the dogs soft velvet ears, whilst the other flicked through the menu, a small indecisive frown crossing her features at the luxurious nature of it. It far exceeded anything she was used to and for a few moments, she was unsure what to choose.

[color=D87093]“Um…can I have the-”[/color] Eventually having decided, she pointed to the ‘sweet pancakes topped with caramelised labneh, syrup stone fruits and sorrel’. [color=D87093]“Thank you!”[/color] Hebe chirped to the waiter politely, before turning back to the Olympian sat across from her. She wasn’t entirely sure what half those words had meant — normally she would be just opting for some overly sugary sweet cereal for breakfast — but she at least knew that she liked pancakes. [color=D87093]“This place is super fancy!”[/color] She half-whispered when the waiter had gone, leaning conspiratorially towards her brother. [color=D87093]“You really didn’t have to go to this much effort just for me…”[/color]

[color=ED1C24]“Nonsense!”[/color] Ares exclaimed. [color=ED1C24]“I’d move heaven and earth for my favorite ‘niece’.”[/color] Right then a waiter appeared with two flutes of mimosa. Putting them down before Ares and Hebe. For a second Ares had eyes up Vitrus. He was well aware who the dog’s true owner was. But at the same time, the way it behaved around Hebe no doubt showed it was loyal to her as well. He could despise Mars with every fiber in his being but those same fibers harbored no ill will to the creature. Dogs did not choose their masters after all. A fact Ares was painfully well aware of at times.

He took a quick sip of his mimosa before asking her: [color=ED1C24]“So how have your studies been? Actually, what is it you’re studying now?”[/color] While he was truly interested, this was all just a build up towards the real reason he had invited Hebe here. The notebook in question was still on Ares’ person. He had to know if his sweet sister was in any kind of danger. The Romans could pretend they were careful and protective of her but Ares had seen the gaps in their armor already. Or were they bait setup by Janus? This was the eternal shadow game Ares was playing.

[color=D87093]“Oh, Anthropology!”[/color] Hebe nodded enthusiastically at his question as she took a sip of her mimosa, relishing in the sweet orange taste. [color=D87093]“It’s actually really interesting! We’re learning about hominid social structures at the moment, and how they contributed to early modern human societies…”[/color]  She paused when she realised that Ares probably did not find the details of an Anthropology degree all that interesting. [color=D87093]“Lectures are kinda boring but I’m used to that by now.”[/color] She shrugged her petite shoulders as she took another gulp of her beverage — it was [I]far[/I] too easy to drink — and if she had been around certain other friends, she probably would’ve been tempted to make it stronger.

[color=D87093]“How’s your er…work?”[/color] Hebes head tilted as her gaze passed back over to Ares, a look of childlike curiosity flitting across her features. She wasn’t entirely sure what he did for work but she did know that he was always very busy, so she figured it must be something important.

[color=ED1C24]“Oh things are perfectly fine at Aegis Capital.”[/color] Ares said with a dismissive ease. Of course, Aegis Capital’s sole reason for existence was to offer Ares a mantle of legitimacy. It was also one of the few companies he owned that had no ties to the underworld empire he helped manage. While he disliked lying to Hebe, he preferred her not to know that technically the United States would classify him as a terrorist. Either way, he wasn’t interested in his own work. It was the infectious enthusiasm Hebe had that he enjoyed vastly more. Of all the subjects in the world, history intrigued him the most. Probably because he lived through the vast majority of it. Though admittingly Anthropology was not his strong suit.

Right then he was once again disturbed by his phone vibrating on the table. With a frown that hid a storm he picked turned on the screen while it was still flat on the table. The second he saw the message though, his scowl disappeared and his entire face lit up. He even cracked a small smile when his eyes darted over the name. Before he quickly turned the phone off again and turned all of his attention back to Hebe.

Well, it was time then. [color=ED1C24]“Hebe…”[/color] He said while leaning forward. [color=ED1C24]“Did you… talk to Hephaestus sometime recently?”[/color]

The goddess in question, who had been leaning forwards to try and get a sneaky peek at Ares’ phone, quickly scrambled back to her seat at his question. A mischievous smile had graced her features when she had seen him looking so fondly at his messages but this dropped away, replaced instead with an expression of soft sorrow mingled with regret. [color=D87093]“Did I…”[/color] Hebe paused, managing to hold back the tears that always threatened to well up when she thought about Hephaestus. [color=D87093]“No, I hadn’t spoken to him in ages. I don’t really remember the last time we did to be honest…”[/color] Distractedly she played with the edge of her napkin, gaze looking anywhere but at her brother. She still felt so bad for not having spoken to Hephaestus before he died. Maybe things might’ve been different if she had...

[color=D87093]“Why? Did he say anything to you before he y’know…”[/color] To say that word was still too much, still too impossible. So instead she just let the idea of it hang in the air, eyes moving for a moment to glance at the blanket of autumnal colours that had spread across the trees outside. To look down from this height made everything seem so peaceful and simple, even if she knew it was only an illusion. 

She hadn’t spoken to him. That was a setback for sure. The only other option he had then was for Hephaestus to have had his people tail Hebe perhaps. It’s what Ares would’ve done. But at the same time, something was gnawing at him. Why Hebe? Why was she in the notebook with the other minor gods? Why was her name circled? What if the notebook didn’t come from his brother but in fact from the stranger that entered the forge god’s apartment? In that case he would have to track those pixels back to the main in question. But that still didn’t answer why Hebe’s name was circled. Under normal circumstances, he would have a detail of Spartans on Hebe’s tail by now. But her unique lifestyle coupled with her closeness with the Romans made that impossible.

The god of war wasn’t blind to Hebe’s own feelings though. Their brother’s death still hurt her. [color=ED1C24]“No… No I hadn’t talked to him  either in recent times.”[/color] Ares admitted. A weird realization dawned upon him. Zeus could not stand Ares, but Hera couldn’t stand Hephaestus. Did he fail his brother? Or was it better to have stayed away? No, no it was better to stay away. Still, that and several other things began to weigh down on his stomach like stones. So when the food came, he barely touched it really.

[color=ED1C24]“On to better thoughts then.”[/color] He finally said, trying to break the perhaps somewhat awkward silence between them. [color=ED1C24]“Guess who I met on my way here this morning?”[/color]

[color=D87093]“Ooh, who?”[/color] Hebe was glad that Ares didn’t want to dwell on their lost sibling for too long. There was nothing that she or he could say that would make things better, nothing that would bring him back. So when he moved on to other matters, she gladly followed along, stabbing her fork into her pancakes as she wondered who had run into. [color=D87093]“Was it someone famous?!”[/color] She added, only half-joking. Celebrities never seemed to come to Seattle, so she was always hoping that there would be news that one had graced the rainy city with their presence.

Ares was carefully dabbing his lips clean before answering, letting the tension slowly build up. [color=ED1C24]“Well… no.”[/color] He began, having a slight teasing smile on his face. [color=ED1C24]“It was Chadwick. The kid surprised me to be honest. I didn’t think he’d come up all the way from Washington. He said he came up to visit you.”[/color] He would’ve invited the mortal along if the Hephaestus matter wouldn’t be raised. Sadly duty took precedence. But surely they would meet again. He only hoped he didn’t spoil some surprise now though.

At Ares’ words, Hebe nearly choked on the mouthful of pancakes she had been chewing, prompting a rather loud coughing fit. A few of the surrounding patrons turned to glare at her and she could do naught but smile at them apologetically until it was over. Her thoughts were far away from the room though, a buzz of anxiety and familiar panic filling her mind. Chad was [I]here[/I]? Now? How did he even know she was in Seattle? And why? 

Her hands had begun to tremble and she tucked them under the table, clasping them together tightly. She could feel her body beginning to shut down and the only thing that kept her from completely freaking out, was the gentle nudge of Vivis wet nose against her fingers. [sub][color=D87093]Oh god. Don’t freak out Hebe. Just stay calm.[/color][/sub] She [I]could not[/I] start panicking in front of Ares. Not only would it be super embarrassing but there was also no way she’d be able to explain herself. 

[color=D87093]“W-what did he say?”[/color] She eventually managed to blurt out some words, hoping that the shakiness wasn’t evident in her voice. [color=D87093]“I mean, I-I didn’t know he was coming to visit…”[/color]

[color=ED1C24]“Oh...”[/color] Ares said. Fuck, it was a surprise. And he just ruined it. Well he would have to make it up with Chad at some point. Though it was cute how she was so nervous and fidgety when he mentioned Chadwick. Young love was like that. Electric and fiery. Everything moved fast. The thoughts made him a bit melancholic. At least sweet Hebe was being reunited with her love. [color=ED1C24]“He didn’t say much. Well in all honesty I didn’t really have the time. He just told me he’d find you anyway. I guess he knows you’re living in the dorms.”[/color] Ares said as a waiter took away their empty plates. [color=ED1C24]“He seemed good. Driven.”[/color] When the move to Seattle happened, it felt odd that Chadwick didn’t seem to join Hebe. [color=ED1C24]“You’ll have to forgive your older brother for asking”[/color] - Ares joked -  [color=ED1C24]“but… why did you guys decide to break it off?”[/color] He assumed it was at least mutual. With Hebe being so cute and flustered while Chad looked driven to get her back. [color=ED1C24]“Surely he would’ve come with you to Seattle? You two were so close.”[/color]

[color=D87093]“We, I-, It well…”[/color] Struggling for an answer, Hebes lips suddenly felt uncomfortably dry and she found herself downing the rest of her mimosa, taste buds barely acknowledging the sharp citrus tang. [color=D87093]“We just- it just…wasn’t working out.”[/color] Her voice was a mere whisper, an excuse that she barely managed to let pass her lips. Looking up at her brother's eager expression, she found herself struggling to control herself, her chest moving in and out as breaths left her lungs in shallow gasps. She couldn’t do this. She had to leave. His words were too much for her… [sub][color=D87093]What did he mean he’d find her? That he knew where she lived?[/color][/sub] 

[color=D87093]“I just remembered I have a sorority er, thing. I have to go...”[/color] Hebe suddenly shot up from her chair, sending her cutlery as well as her thankfully now empty flute glass clattering to the floor, the latter smashing into countless pieces. [color=D87093]“Oh god, I’m so sorry!”[/color] She exclaimed as a waiter came rushing over to pick up the pieces, bending down to help him before he politely brushed her away. [color=D87093]“I-I’ll pay for the mess!”[/color] Hebe turned apologetically back to Ares, it taking everything in her not to run straight for the elevator. The barest of smiles pulled at the edges of her lips as she stepped over to him, waiting for the moment in which she could dart away.

Ares was quick to get up as well when the glass broke. His friendly demeanor instantly shifted to one of control. The waiter was quick to react but Ares was already walking around the man towards Hebe. He took her hands and turned them up so he could look at her palms. No cuts. No blood. Good. That was good. He dropped his commanding presence when he cracked a smile at her, released her hands and hugged her tight. [color=ED1C24]“It’s okay sis.”[/color] He said, dropping the act he’d normally maintain in the presence of mortals. Hebe was the only one who returned the unconditional love he had for her. And as he held her in his arms, he wished he never had to let go. That he could protect her from everything. That was impossible and selfish though. She was her own person with her own freedom. So as he released her after the long hug, he gave a soft kiss on her forehead. [color=ED1C24]“Take care, Hebe.”[/color] And then he let her go wherever she was needed.

[color=D87093]"Bye..."[/color] The young goddesses words were weak and lacklustre as she was released from his embrace. Normally she would love being fawned over by one of her siblings but now, all she wanted to do was run. So when Ares let her go, she turned on her heel, rushing into the thankfully free elevator. Covering her eyes when the door closed, Hebe sunk to the floor, ignoring the pleading whines coming from Virtus. Her instinct was to rush straight back to her dorm and seek comfort in the distraction of her friends, but she daren't even do that. She could barely breathe let alone think. Pressing her palms against her face, she willed herself to calm down, to pretend that it was all going to be okay, to be brave enough to face up to it...to him. It didn't work...it never did. What [I]was[/I] she going to do?[/color]