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Lucid Dreaming
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The blankets rustled as the single occupant rolled over with a soft moan, blinking against the harsh sunlight filtering in through the thin curtains of her bedroom window as the singing sound of a notification went off on her phone. Hathor slowly buried her arms underneath the mountain of pillows on her bed, searching around until her fingers wrapped around the object of her desire. Her dark eyes landed on the screen, lazily tapping the keypad to unlock it and clicked her mailbox to see who decided to email at this ungodly hour. Alright, it was technically 10AM which wasn’t ungodly by most means but who thought it was a good idea to do anything before noon on a Saturday? She opened the message, an eyebrow raising at the charity event invite before a small frown etched on her features.
What was Jupiter playing at? It was very clear that the Romans kept to themselves, only letting a select few close. Why the sudden change of character? It felt like there was a puzzle piece missing in this mystery but who was she to turn down a nice evening? It had been forever since she had been to a true party, at least one of elegance and not dancing in a club. Hathor sat up with a groan, knowing that there was no way she would be getting back to sleep now and deciding she might as well start her day. Sighing, she pushed herself out of bed and grabbed a pair of wireless headphones before heading over to the kitchen to whip up some breakfast. She popped the buds into her ears, starting up the music app, letting a flood of melodic sound fill her ears as she swept through the kitchen gathering supplies.
A few minutes later, Hathor stood, staring intensely at the plate before her as she radiated unhappiness. She didn’t even know it was possible to make something burnt and soggy at the same time but that is exactly how the french toast or the travesty she was trying to pass off as french toast was. Mortals made this look so easy but the only art in cooking she was able to manage were things that didn’t require a stove. An annoyed growl slipped past her lips as she jammed the failed attempts into the trash and sighed, hopping up onto the counter and raking her fingers through her hair. ’Well, that ended up being a waste of time.’, she thought to herself as her music switched to a different song. It relaxed her, washing over her frazzled nerves like a blanket of warmth as it pulled pleasant memories from her past due to the era of the song and it spoke clearly to how she felt at times.
Hathor debated on just going out to breakfast or grabbing a quick drink while skipping the meal altogether since it was getting a bit later in the day but neither option sounded pleasant if it was just on her own. It was no fun alone after all. There was still plenty of time before she would be meeting for drinks and a fun time with her pantheon, their own way of connecting and putting the mess from the conclave behind them. Her heart clenched at that sudden thought, the memories of that day still haunting her and making her feel more connected than she would normally feel for someone she didn’t know. Of course she knew that Hephaestus was a good god, caring and supportive. The reactions of his pantheon spoke volumes to who he was. Hathor hadn’t lied to Hera when she said they would find the killer. She wanted justice for him and for his patheon. He deserved that peace. She wanted to help in any way possible but right now, she didn’t know how. The song ended, pulling her from her thoughts and made her pull out the headphones, dropping them onto the counter as she opened up the contacts in her phone.
Who would be free to meet up with her or be willing to take her up on this offer? She scrolled down the list, ignoring those in her pantheon list since they would be meeting up soon and trying to avoid mortals since they wouldn’t understand if her behavior swayed. It was when she hit the ‘H’s that she paused momentarily, biting her lip as she stared at a particular name. It had been awhile since they had met up or hung out. Her fingers hovered over the name, a flood of nervous energy fluttering in her gut at the thought of asking him which was just silly after how long they had known each other. ’Pull it together Hathor, you are acting ridiculous!’, she thought to herself before clicking the contract to pull up a new text message.
Hey, would you like to grab some tea or coffee with me? It’s been awhile since we hung out just the two of us and I thought it might be nice to catch up. Drinks are on me if you decide you want to! Just let me know.
She quickly pressed send before she had a moment to change her mind and took a deep breath. No taking it back now, so it was out of her hands. It wasn’t like it was a date. It was just two friends getting a drink. If he said ‘no’ then she wouldn’t be any worse off than she was right at that moment (though the clenching of pain in her heart said otherwise). She still prayed he would agree. She knew he had eyes for someone else. She knew that if she wanted to be close to him than just being a supportive and good friend was the way it had to be. It didn’t stop her from feeling and acting like a fool.’Why am I always so hopeless when it comes to my own feelings of love?’, Hathor asked herself, knowing that she had no answer.
Tick Tick Tick. The single large grandfather clock continued its constant rhythm signaling the passing of every second. Hades let his pen rest atop the black wood desk as his hands were brought down along his face letting out a small groan of annoyance. Looking towards the clock Hades realized it was only about 10:30. “Damit Chronos.” he sweared to himself at how slow time seemed to pass by. Four hours had felt like a full day's worth of work but with nothing to show for it. Moving his vision down and to the side he could see Cerberus sitting by his desk with a questioning look towards his master. “It's nothing boy. Just a lot happening at the moment.”
The conclave had been a real shit show, as was expected. He truly did hate the fact that his family could never be anywhere without causing a scene of some kind. Leaning back in his chair trying his best to forget the work that laid on his desk as the events of the conclave returned to him. If Hera’s little stunt wasn't bad enough for the meeting as a whole then Aphrodite certainly didn't help, regardless of the intentions. As the thought of the damned pink mist returned Hades body stiffened once again just like at the meeting. He could remember his vision clearly even with his best efforts to forget it. He had fought so hard to not let the mist invade his mind but by the time he had realized it, it was already too late.
He could still see himself suddenly being pulled into a large dark room with minimal light. He had immediately recognised the room not just from its looks but also from the throne that he was suddenly sitting upon. It was a dark stone and metallic frame with a beautiful black velvet cushion. His Ebony throne that he had sat atop for endless time ruling over the underworld with an iron fist. Realising what this meant Hades turned to his side where the other chair was meant to be positioned. But sadly fate deemed it necessary for that part of the vision to be shipped as once Hades' eyes gained sight of the chair the whole vision shattered like glass as he fell from his throne once again.
That single vision had cost him most of what little sleep he usually got. “Why couldn't she have just left us to be and not intervene. Not like she ever cared for the poor bastard.” he said at no one, except maybe the dog by his side. Letting out another sigh Hades leaned forwards once again looking back to the clock to see how much time he had managed to waste. Seeing as the hand had not moved at all, at least he thought, Hades turned back towards his work before seeing he had two messages on his phone. One of these messages he was much happier to see than the other. The one was from none other than the head of the Roman house himself, Jupiter. Quickly reading through the message Hades was unsure of what to think. Something felt off about the whole thing. You don't just stay unseen for centuries and then suddenly throw a ball. Once he finished his eyes fell onto the signature at the bottom “King of the gods.” Hades stared at that line for a second more, never showing anything in his stoic face before he let out a small chuckle. “Is that so.”
The next message however was a far more pleasant one compared to “invitation” given out by Jupiter. Hathor had been one of the few gods/goddesses that Hades was close to outside his one family. And it had been a shame they had not talked or been able to really meet in past years. “That does sound nice. And I'm about ready to go to the underworld myself if I stay here any longer.” he said standing from his desk as he sent back “Sure. I'll meet you there.”
It was those simple texted words that brightened her day significantly and had Hathor sitting at her regular table near the large tinted bay window of Little Marjoram far sooner than she had originally planned for that day. She had done her best to cut off any questions from Imentet short, not really wanting to explain herself just yet and taking her place on the plush ottoman style chair while she waited for Hades to arrive. This place always gave her a feel of home, making her feel safe and as if nothing could possibly go wrong. The desert theme soothed her, reminding her of the rolling hills of soft sand at dawn with all the tones of orange and yellow as well as the soft lit atmosphere one could call romantic or mood lighting but in this case was to add to the theme. The shop really did feel Egyptian oasis, a miracle in what could be a harsh and unforgiving land. It did have a hint of other vibes such as a moroccan flair, especially the areas with pillowed seating which had even lower tables than the one she now sat at but that didn’t take away from the effect, only enhancing it.
It was easy to tell that memories, love, and detail had been placed with great care into this shop, from the multitude of dazzling and intricate rugs, to the swooping sections of delicate fabrics hung from the ceiling giving an elegance and almost a private feel even if it was not. The emotion could even be found in the tables themselves as they were made of a thick glass with real sand in between the panels which included fake rocks and plants to replicate the desert itself as you enjoyed your cup of tea. In her eyes, Imentet had made something truly wonderful that not only the different pantheons could experience and enjoy but humans as well or at least in the daylight section which was to represent the living. Hathor knew that the family would be headed to the depth of the night later, a representation of the dead but there was nothing to fear in either of those. Both were beautiful cycles and to be commended, celebrated, and honored for the journey they had taken in life which deserved much needed rest by the end. She could only hope that Hephaestus would have that in what lay beyond this world.
Her gaze pulled away from the window she had been peering through but with unseeing eyes, not wanting to start eagerly looking at every dark haired man that walked by, hoping it was the one she wished to see. It had been years since they had last seen each other and while she had hoped her feelings would fade, become a distant memory with limited time in his company, the conclave proved that that hadn’t changed. Aphrodite had pulled Ra from her mind first, after all...who could easily forget their first love but she had rushed through a few heartbreak like quicksand to get to just Hades. He had been her peaceful moment before the raging storm of guilt hit her. It still didn’t seem to be too much of a deterrent though since she was still here, brushing out the bottom portion of her blush pink dress yet again as she tried to get a hold of her nerves. Hathor lifted her head, her eyes landing on the door as it opened when she suddenly felt breathless, time almost feeling like it was slowing or maybe it was just her lack of notice to anything or anyone else. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest and butterflies fluttered in her stomach as a brilliant smile graced her lips before she even had any hope to stop it nor did she want to as she stared at who had come in. H...John!, she called with a light wave, glad she had caught her mishap of almost saying his real name before it was too late.
Hades took a quick second to adjust his suit once more making sure he still looked good. Not that his looks were everything to him but Hades did feel strongly about keeping up appearances. As he entered the tea shop Hades inhaled the divine smell of various teas as he made his way over to Hathor. “Greetings Yasmin.” Hades greeted with a genuine smile ignoring some of the looks he received from the other patrons. They weren't looks of fear so much as confusion. Hades was what you could call a regular of the shop. However in all his time of visiting the shop Hades had hardly if ever met with another sole. Preferring to keep to himself in the corner of the shop. Taking his seat across from her Hades continued “How are you feeling after the conclave? I know my sister can be quite overbearing when she wants to be… which is usually always.”
She gave a light chuckle, knowing that it was probably the truth from the few moments that she had been in Hera’s presence and by some of the past comments or stories about her person. ”I am feeling much better now that some time has passed. It still feels a bit strange and makes my heart ache when I recall the memories from the conclave. Enough about me though, how are Dio and Coco doing? How are you holding up? I am not sure how close each of you were to Hephaestus but I know family is important, it is a hard hit to lose anyone.”, Hathor said, her heart going out to each of them and the Greeks as a whole. She would have said she couldn’t imagine or understand what they were going through but the problem was, Hera had let her know exactly how they felt. Honestly, she was worried about them and what could happen as a result.
“I’m doing alright. Me and my nephew were never really that close in all honesty. Though he is one of the few that never truly deserved the lot he was given.” Hades paused for a moment, moving his vision to the sky just outside the window for a brief moment as if remembering the old days. “Dio was hit the hardest I’d say. Him and my son were always close.” Hades let out a chuckle remembering his son's antics with the forge god. “Dio was the only one that could ever get the stubborn fool to calm down. As for coco, I’m not sure.” He finished with a hint of sadness. “I think seeing her dad like that probably messed with her more than anything. I did my best to calm her down, but that was never my strongest ability.” Hades felt a pain of guilt hit his heart as he remembered accidentally hurting his own granddaughter as a result of his reaction to the vision.
“But enough of all the bad news. How has working for our dear friend Tlaz been?”
She nodded softly in understanding, not surprised that in such a big family that some of them didn’t have great connections. The knowledge that Dio had been very close to the forger didn’t hit her as shocking because the look on the god's face during the conclave had spoken volumes of the pain he had felt. It seemed that even the comfort from his father and daughter hadn’t even penetrated the pain to bring relief. She wished that Hera hadn't been in such bad shape so she could have helped as well. She didn’t know what happened with Coco but Hathor reached out her hand to place it on his for just a moment to try and comfort him, that moment of sadness that flashed behind those eyes making her want to do anything to wash it away. ”They are both lucky to have you. Just keep being there for them in the way only you can.”, she said softly before slowly pulling her hand back and smiling brightly at the much needed change in subject.
”It has been wonderful working with Tlaz! She is completely amazing and has been a dear friend to me. The change from the Bar Lounge to the Jade Jaguar has been liberating to say the least. I didn’t realize how stuck I was feeling until she convinced me to make a change. I kind of miss having my own bar like back in the day but I don’t miss the paperwork and responsibilities that went with it, that is for sure. I much prefer how it is now, where I can have fun and just be a more relaxed version of myself. What about you? How is working going? Smoothly, I hope?”
“Well I'm glad that you are enjoying the new job. No need in doing something if you get too stressed about it and no longer enjoy it.” Hades offered “Though it is a shame to not have your bar around anymore, I bet Tlaz is happy to have the best Bartender in her employ.” He finished with a smile on his face before letting out a slight sigh. “Heavy is the head that bears the crown, I suppose. Nothing I can't handle though.”
”You flatter me, John. I would hardly call myself the best but I appreciate that you think so.” Hathor replied with a small smirk, trying to keep herself from getting flustered or blushing at the small compliment. She rested her chin on her palm, looking him over as she took in what he said with a sigh which caused her brows to furrow a bit.”I have no doubts about that. You have always been able to handle even the most trying of situations with flawless dedication and persistence but I hope you know, it’s alright to lean on others. You don’t have to bear every burden alone. I doubt I am the only one to offer but...if you ever need anything even if it is just something small like someone to vent to then I am here for you.
Hathor paused for a moment to realize what she just said, stuttering nervously with a light blush, ”S-Sorry about that. It...uh, seems like I keep picking horrible subjects.” She looked away, biting her lip gently and rubbing her neck as she tried to think of what to say when an idea sparked. They had been so busy chatting that they hadn’t ordered anything yet which seemed like a safe bet. ”So, what kind of tea would you like?”, she asked softly, trying to change the subject in case he didn’t want to talk about her offer.
Hades shifted slightly in his chair for a moment taking on a more serious posture one could argue. His gaze seemed slightly more intense for only a minute as he stared straight at Hathor who was now attempting to avoid his gaze. Aside from the unwillingness to make eye contact with him Hathor seemed genuine in her offer to help should he simply ask. “Well I appreciate the offer Hathor, I may just have to take you up on that offer in the near future.” He finally spoke, keeping his gaze on the woman sitting in front of him. “Well I am a big fan of their Orange spice tea. How about yourself?” Hades finished showing a smile again while still attempting to gauge Hathor and her reactions.
The second Hades actually decided to speak of her offer instead taking the way out provided, her hands dropped back to fold into her lap and her eyes locked onto his own, not drawing away for a moment. Her expression was soft but serious as she spoke her next words, ”Say the word and I will be there for you, Hades. Anytime, any place, and anything you need that is within my power, you shall have. All you ever need do is ask.” A smile broke on her features as she continued, ”Orange spice sounds perfect. It is actually one of my favorites. Wait here, I’ll go talk to Imentet about it since I told her to hold off while I waited. Nothing worse than cold tea after all.” With that said, she gracefully rose from her seat, heading back to the front counter.
