I would never be mad at you. Flirt with him all you wish.
Before I took over the organization, we were two subordinates under the last Mockingbird. Eventually Lycaon left to work for the enemy and that was the end of that.
[ he's lucky this is over text and Mollymauk can't scrutinize his face right now─ not that he doubts Hugo's words simply... well, the history is there and it's thick enough to taste. but he won't push, the past is the past and of all people he understands not wanting to dredge up old wounds. ]
what done is done right
regardless of my extra curricular activities my loyalties lie with you hugo dont forget that not that you will but i want to make sure that is set in stone
You and I are both running from things we don't want to face. but not from each other.
[ There was no denying that much. Despite his avoidance of the topic, Hugo was more than comfortable with Molly. If it came to it, he would more than likely tell them anything. It was a conversation better had face to face. Possibly while drunk. ]
Worry not. Whatever you do with him, I will have no complaints. Nor would I let that mutt ruin one of the best thing I've had since he left.
[ he wants to see him. Molly wants to mutter things only fit for his ears and drink their collective worries away until thought becomes the thing of the past. they deserve that, don't they? especially after a day of being dogged by the ghosts from christmas past. ]
because i happen to have myself a liberated bottle of absinthe and the desire for your company
I do not, but that would be an awful thing to put on you. My reputation as a nightmare to deal with would only destroy our wonderful relationship.
I believe they even called me a seed of evil. I am truly nasty work.
[ He only had himself to blame for having to speak to and see Lycaon so soon, but the memories were there. The only thing he could do was make a joke of himself and find some solace. ]
but a bottle of absinthe I am loathed to deny, as much as I would have the power to deny your handsome face. Give me an address and I'll appear as desired.
then we are two peas in a pod my dear they call me a fiend a devil evil given form here to consume their souls and steal their children
our relationship wont suffer from your reputation anymore than it does mine
[ both in this life and the last, but Molly doesn't let that thought linger for very long. they are too chase off those thoughts, those memories, and give themselves a bit of a reprieve. ]
as if you have the power to truly deny me my door is always open to you
[ immediately follows is an address to the arcadia apartments, Molly's residence being on the top floor close to the roof exit. ]
[ There were a few hours between his last message and the knock on Mollymauk's door. The sun had set, and his other affairs were out into order. With everything else cleared off his docket, he tapped his knuckles against the door and then stood to the side, waiting.
He did at some point in the climb up the stairs wonder if he should have brought something. People usually like guests to bring those, didn't they? Molly wasn't the fancy sort, but that didn't absolve Hugo of his manners. Oh, well. He'll just have to double up the next time. This would hardly be the last time he darkens Molly's doorway. ]
[ the door opens almost immediately as if the tiefling had all but been waiting for the familiar footfalls and the knock at his door. he had been waiting, patiently, knowing it would take time for Hugo to get his affairs together before heading toward him. it'd take a blind not to see the affairs involved a certain wolf man, especially after the free drink Molly had managed to get out of him.
speaking of Molly, he opens the door with a beaming smile dressed down to little more than tight pants and a elegant satin shirt mostly unbuttoned aside from the last couple of buttons. the deep v shows off everything, including parts of the intricate tattoo that curls around his neck and up his face. ]
Hey you. [ without hesitation he steps to the side and motions Hugo inside. ] Come on in, the couch is all but calling our names.
[ the apartment itself isn't much. stock standard for the most part with little sprinkles of Mollymauk here and there. it isn't permeant that much is clear, but Molly has never been the sort to put down roots. he'd much rather be ready to up and leave at a moments notice.
once Hugo's inside he closes the door behind them, tail lazily swaying from side to side as he makes his way over to the couch and previously mentioned bottle of absinthe sitting on the coffee table. ]
[ It was still strange to Hugo how the tension in his own shoulders eased when he saw Molly again. Mismatched eyes fall on him immediately once the door opens, and his smile brightens. Sliding into the apartment, he looks around enough to see where the couch and the absinthe were. He knew Molly was much like he was when it came to settling down.
A glance was cast down to the tiefling's attire as he walked. Casual and comfortable, not so unlike his own. Hugo's dark slacks hugged his long legs, his button up undone at the top two buttons. Anything else he might usually be found with was missing, looking like he at least made the effort to dress down and be calm before coming to the door.
He doesn't answer until he's moving to sit, reaching up to push long blond strands out of his eyesight, only to feel it all flop back into place. ]
You spoke to Lycaon. [ Hugo sighs. ] I'm sure he's had no shortage of annoying things to say about my character.
Really, I'm happy to see you again and also Lia and in some instances perhaps even Sampo. Lycaon is just. Different.
[ Molly moves with the grace of a cat, following suit to sit on the couch legs immediately swinging up to rest across Hugo's lap head cocked to the side. it isn't exactly a big couch, but enough that he can stretch out like this and use his dear friend's lay as a resting spot. his tail lazily curls around Hugo's ankle and Molly reaches for the bottle, taking a quick swig and holding it out. ]
You think I give a shit about his opinion of your character? I know it well enough and it sure as shit hasn't made me like you any less.
[ but it's obvious to Molly, at the very least, that Lycaon's opinion of Hugo's character bothers the man himself. ]
I get it, hard to cut a weed like that out once it's grown all those roots into you. [ Molly exhales. ]
[ As if it's been done a million times, Hugo's hands come up and rest against Molly's legs. In no time at all, he was working his hands against the muscles in idle massages and touches along his calves. He listens first, mismatched eyes sliding to the side to look at his friend, one hand lifting to take the bottle and take a swig. Although mundane, it felt like the most normal thing that had happened since he arrived.
Relishing the burn down his throat, Hugo holds the bottle out once again and puts his hand back down against Molly's legs. ]
I'm aware. [ He said with an exaggerated drawl and a head shake. As embarrassing as it might have been to think of someone saying such a thing with such conviction was, Molly had always been forthright with him. ]
His...ugh. I thought I had. It was supposed to just be reconnaissance. I spy on his social media to see what he was doing and what to avoid. What it became... [ He groans again. Why did Lycaon's influence always make him feel like a child? ]
I do admit that display was my fault. I shouldn't have ousted myself with the Shakespeare question. Acting like a fledgling like that. I've spent years honing this craft only to trip at the finish line.
[ he practically melts against the touch, sliding a little further down into the couch under the other's ministrations. without missing a beat Molly takes the bottle when prompted, taking another swig from it. the burn is delicious, as is the warmth that spreads through his limbs. instead of putting it back on the plain coffee table, however, Molly rests the bottle in the space between his thigh and the back of the couch. ]
We all trip every now and then. [ some more often than others. ] I would've done the same if someone from my past suddenly turned up out of the blue.
[ that thought alone is enough to send a shiver down his spine. if anyone from those visions of his were to show up... he would spook, say something utterly stupid right out in public for everyone to see. a true nightmare, really. ]
It wasn't as disastrous as it could have been. [ it was a little messy, he can't deny that much, but it could have been so much worse. ] Turn it into a flourish and no one will know the difference.
[ his tail curls a little more around Hugo's ankle, sliding up the man's leg with a brief squeeze. a quiet gesture of assurance, of comfort. ]
[ Hugo watched Molly relax with a smile. After everything else, this was a nice change. He's barely been there more than a few minutes, and they were already tangling themselves up in each other as if the time and space between them had never existed. The blond was happy to rub his hands up and down Molly's legs, easing his mind and settling into that cushion. ]
Believe me, I've been attempting. I haven't seen him in almost a decade now? The only reason I didn't greet him with my scythe was due to the lack of suitable fighting areas. And the fact he's already endeared others to him. It causes more problems than it solves to be childish in that situation.
[ One of his hands slides up to rest on Molly's inner thigh, right above the knee, as Hugo turned to take up the bottle and take a drink, lowering it back down where it was. ]
Either way, we talked a little and it's fine. More importantly, how long have you been here?
[ it's always been easy to relax in Hugo's presence, even easier to entangle himself up in the other man as if he all but belonged there. they are two peas in a pod, after all, cut from the same cloth and all that. Hugo is fun, attractive, and doesn't force him to turn around and face the past that he's constantly running from. Molly adores him more than he should, more than he has allowed himself to adore people in the past. ]
It would've been quite the show if you had greeted him with your scythe. [ his grin turns sharp, devilish. part if him almost wishes they had come to blows, but alas. maybe one day he'll bear witness to a ferocious dance.
this is a decent enough consolation prize, at least.
Molly hums and cocks his head to the right, retrieving the bottle from it's place to take a drink before turning it, red eyes watching his friend closely. ]
A couple of months now, I think. [ much longer than he normally sticks around places, though he doesn't like to think about that too hard if he can help it. ] Thought I'd stick around for a few weeks but I'm glad I didn't. It would have been devastating to think I could have missed seeing your handsome face again.
[ Hugo smiled at the compliment, his voice slow and smooth as silk. His hand stilled around Molly's knee, looking at his friend. As much as it might seem like joke, he felt it sincerely. Molly was someone that understood him without attempting to make him revisit or atone for a past better left where it was. Being around him was just as interesting in a way many others weren't. ]
You've been here that long? What caught your attention so well that you ended up staying here so long? Another person perhaps? Or the strange happenings that seem to engulf this place?
[ A quick look around told him that Molly didn't seem to intend to put down roots or stay very long, yet here he was. ]
[ Molly shifts a little, reaching out to rest a hand on top of Hugo's. despite his dramatics there is a sincerity there that is impossible to miss, impossible to hide. it shows in his actions, in the way his expression softens as his guard lowers all but welcoming Hugo to make himself at home.
( something in his chest aches. a memory of a woman, her eyes wide with worry and hope. "Molly? Mollymauk Tealeaf." "Empty?" "No." "Love?" )
he tenses, briefly, quickly grabbing the bottle and taking another quick swing from it. not now, for the love of everything holy not now. shaking his head Mollymauk exhales, returning the swiftly draining bottle back to it's now designated place. ]
A little from column A, a little from column B. [ a short laugh, red eyes focusing on Hugo as fingers desperately grip the other's hand. an anchor, just for a minute or two, to keep him from being swept up by the wave of half remembered memories trying to drown him. ] Every day there is something new going on, someone fun to talk too... you know?
[ Hugo was quiet when he watched Molly. It wasn't often that he saw what he would call 'hesitation'. Molly enjoyed life and lies and all the things Hugo made his bed with. When he sees Molly's mind drift away, even if it was only for a moment, he couldn't look away.
The desperate grip of that hand is what took his attention. Hugo lifted his own hand until he could press a kiss to Molly's knuckles. It was a small gesture, but it was what he could offer in the moment. ]
I can imagine, if it's made you want to stay.
[ He wouldn't ask what came to mind, only ground him and his attention. ]
I'll have to get you to show me the places you like. I have need of a good blade-- a smaller one. Something better suited for close quarters. It's a good chance to spoil you.
[ the warmth of his hand, the press of lips to Molly's knuckles, are like a singular log gifted to a man who can't swim. the tiefling breathes in sharply, clouds all but vanishing from his eyes. ]
Spoil me? [ he could kiss Hugo for this, holding tight and grounding him. ] Love, you're the one who ought to be spoilt. You only just arrived and deserve the best gifts this city can give you.
[ the grip on Hugo's hand relaxes a little, the tension in his shoulders melts away. he cocks his head to the side, chains softly jingling with the movement. whatever memory it was that was trying to steal him away has passed, freeing Mollymauk from it's clutches. ]
The city has some delicious shadows hidden within it as well as some shining jewels. Whenever you want to hit the town just say the word.
As far as I'm concerned, The city has already given me the best it can offer.
[ His gaze hadn't left Molly, giving him that simple smile and rub of his thumb against the back of his hand. The talk of jewels hidden in the shadows makes his smile wider, imagining what a strange city like this would even have. ]
Then I say we go and do so in a few days time, hmm? A little adventure for just the two of us where we can explore. If we'd like to avoid the day, we can do it at dusk. I'm hardly a morning person, to anytime noon and after are far better in my opinion, regardless of the sun's feelings on murder that day.
[ Their hands are brought back down again in case Molly wanted it for drinking more of the absinthe. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 12:47 pm (UTC)I saw you hit on Lycaon, and he actually picked up on it. I wish you all the luck in the world barking up that tree.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 12:57 pm (UTC)your not upset about it are you
the two of you seem like you have history
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 01:07 pm (UTC)Before I took over the organization, we were two subordinates under the last Mockingbird. Eventually Lycaon left to work for the enemy and that was the end of that.
Truly; nothing to write home about.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-08 01:18 pm (UTC)what done is done right
regardless of my extra curricular activities my loyalties lie with you hugo
dont forget that not that you will but i want to make sure that is set in stone
no subject
Date: 2025-07-09 04:51 am (UTC)but not from each other.
[ There was no denying that much. Despite his avoidance of the topic, Hugo was more than comfortable with Molly. If it came to it, he would more than likely tell them anything. It was a conversation better had face to face. Possibly while drunk. ]
Worry not. Whatever you do with him, I will have no complaints.
Nor would I let that mutt ruin one of the best thing I've had since he left.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-09 08:35 am (UTC)[ he wants to see him. Molly wants to mutter things only fit for his ears and drink their collective worries away until thought becomes the thing of the past. they deserve that, don't they? especially after a day of being dogged by the ghosts from christmas past. ]
because i happen to have myself a liberated bottle of absinthe and the desire for your company
no subject
Date: 2025-07-09 04:04 pm (UTC)I believe they even called me a seed of evil. I am truly nasty work.
[ He only had himself to blame for having to speak to and see Lycaon so soon, but the memories were there. The only thing he could do was make a joke of himself and find some solace. ]
but a bottle of absinthe I am loathed to deny, as much as I would have the power to deny your handsome face.
Give me an address and I'll appear as desired.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-09 11:23 pm (UTC)they call me a fiend a devil evil given form here to consume their souls and steal their children
our relationship wont suffer from your reputation anymore than it does mine
[ both in this life and the last, but Molly doesn't let that thought linger for very long. they are too chase off those thoughts, those memories, and give themselves a bit of a reprieve. ]
as if you have the power to truly deny me
my door is always open to you
[ immediately follows is an address to the arcadia apartments, Molly's residence being on the top floor close to the roof exit. ]
action;
Date: 2025-07-10 01:24 pm (UTC)He did at some point in the climb up the stairs wonder if he should have brought something. People usually like guests to bring those, didn't they? Molly wasn't the fancy sort, but that didn't absolve Hugo of his manners. Oh, well. He'll just have to double up the next time. This would hardly be the last time he darkens Molly's doorway. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-18 02:53 am (UTC)speaking of Molly, he opens the door with a beaming smile dressed down to little more than tight pants and a elegant satin shirt mostly unbuttoned aside from the last couple of buttons. the deep v shows off everything, including parts of the intricate tattoo that curls around his neck and up his face. ]
Hey you. [ without hesitation he steps to the side and motions Hugo inside. ] Come on in, the couch is all but calling our names.
[ the apartment itself isn't much. stock standard for the most part with little sprinkles of Mollymauk here and there. it isn't permeant that much is clear, but Molly has never been the sort to put down roots. he'd much rather be ready to up and leave at a moments notice.
once Hugo's inside he closes the door behind them, tail lazily swaying from side to side as he makes his way over to the couch and previously mentioned bottle of absinthe sitting on the coffee table. ]
So, how are you really?
no subject
Date: 2025-07-18 11:35 am (UTC)A glance was cast down to the tiefling's attire as he walked. Casual and comfortable, not so unlike his own. Hugo's dark slacks hugged his long legs, his button up undone at the top two buttons. Anything else he might usually be found with was missing, looking like he at least made the effort to dress down and be calm before coming to the door.
He doesn't answer until he's moving to sit, reaching up to push long blond strands out of his eyesight, only to feel it all flop back into place. ]
You spoke to Lycaon. [ Hugo sighs. ] I'm sure he's had no shortage of annoying things to say about my character.
Really, I'm happy to see you again and also Lia and in some instances perhaps even Sampo. Lycaon is just. Different.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-19 12:33 pm (UTC)You think I give a shit about his opinion of your character? I know it well enough and it sure as shit hasn't made me like you any less.
[ but it's obvious to Molly, at the very least, that Lycaon's opinion of Hugo's character bothers the man himself. ]
I get it, hard to cut a weed like that out once it's grown all those roots into you. [ Molly exhales. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-19 01:04 pm (UTC)Relishing the burn down his throat, Hugo holds the bottle out once again and puts his hand back down against Molly's legs. ]
I'm aware. [ He said with an exaggerated drawl and a head shake. As embarrassing as it might have been to think of someone saying such a thing with such conviction was, Molly had always been forthright with him. ]
His...ugh. I thought I had. It was supposed to just be reconnaissance. I spy on his social media to see what he was doing and what to avoid. What it became... [ He groans again. Why did Lycaon's influence always make him feel like a child? ]
I do admit that display was my fault. I shouldn't have ousted myself with the Shakespeare question. Acting like a fledgling like that. I've spent years honing this craft only to trip at the finish line.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-20 02:45 am (UTC)We all trip every now and then. [ some more often than others. ] I would've done the same if someone from my past suddenly turned up out of the blue.
[ that thought alone is enough to send a shiver down his spine. if anyone from those visions of his were to show up... he would spook, say something utterly stupid right out in public for everyone to see. a true nightmare, really. ]
It wasn't as disastrous as it could have been. [ it was a little messy, he can't deny that much, but it could have been so much worse. ] Turn it into a flourish and no one will know the difference.
[ his tail curls a little more around Hugo's ankle, sliding up the man's leg with a brief squeeze. a quiet gesture of assurance, of comfort. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-20 03:46 pm (UTC)Believe me, I've been attempting. I haven't seen him in almost a decade now? The only reason I didn't greet him with my scythe was due to the lack of suitable fighting areas. And the fact he's already endeared others to him. It causes more problems than it solves to be childish in that situation.
[ One of his hands slides up to rest on Molly's inner thigh, right above the knee, as Hugo turned to take up the bottle and take a drink, lowering it back down where it was. ]
Either way, we talked a little and it's fine. More importantly, how long have you been here?
no subject
Date: 2025-07-23 01:30 am (UTC)It would've been quite the show if you had greeted him with your scythe. [ his grin turns sharp, devilish. part if him almost wishes they had come to blows, but alas. maybe one day he'll bear witness to a ferocious dance.
this is a decent enough consolation prize, at least.
Molly hums and cocks his head to the right, retrieving the bottle from it's place to take a drink before turning it, red eyes watching his friend closely. ]
A couple of months now, I think. [ much longer than he normally sticks around places, though he doesn't like to think about that too hard if he can help it. ] Thought I'd stick around for a few weeks but I'm glad I didn't. It would have been devastating to think I could have missed seeing your handsome face again.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-23 01:32 pm (UTC)[ Hugo smiled at the compliment, his voice slow and smooth as silk. His hand stilled around Molly's knee, looking at his friend. As much as it might seem like joke, he felt it sincerely. Molly was someone that understood him without attempting to make him revisit or atone for a past better left where it was. Being around him was just as interesting in a way many others weren't. ]
You've been here that long? What caught your attention so well that you ended up staying here so long? Another person perhaps? Or the strange happenings that seem to engulf this place?
[ A quick look around told him that Molly didn't seem to intend to put down roots or stay very long, yet here he was. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-07-24 01:20 am (UTC)( something in his chest aches. a memory of a woman, her eyes wide with worry and hope. "Molly? Mollymauk Tealeaf." "Empty?" "No." "Love?" )
he tenses, briefly, quickly grabbing the bottle and taking another quick swing from it. not now, for the love of everything holy not now. shaking his head Mollymauk exhales, returning the swiftly draining bottle back to it's now designated place. ]
A little from column A, a little from column B. [ a short laugh, red eyes focusing on Hugo as fingers desperately grip the other's hand. an anchor, just for a minute or two, to keep him from being swept up by the wave of half remembered memories trying to drown him. ] Every day there is something new going on, someone fun to talk too... you know?
no subject
Date: 2025-07-24 12:48 pm (UTC)The desperate grip of that hand is what took his attention. Hugo lifted his own hand until he could press a kiss to Molly's knuckles. It was a small gesture, but it was what he could offer in the moment. ]
I can imagine, if it's made you want to stay.
[ He wouldn't ask what came to mind, only ground him and his attention. ]
I'll have to get you to show me the places you like. I have need of a good blade-- a smaller one. Something better suited for close quarters. It's a good chance to spoil you.
no subject
Date: 2025-07-31 07:41 am (UTC)Spoil me? [ he could kiss Hugo for this, holding tight and grounding him. ] Love, you're the one who ought to be spoilt. You only just arrived and deserve the best gifts this city can give you.
[ the grip on Hugo's hand relaxes a little, the tension in his shoulders melts away. he cocks his head to the side, chains softly jingling with the movement. whatever memory it was that was trying to steal him away has passed, freeing Mollymauk from it's clutches. ]
The city has some delicious shadows hidden within it as well as some shining jewels. Whenever you want to hit the town just say the word.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-01 06:46 am (UTC)[ His gaze hadn't left Molly, giving him that simple smile and rub of his thumb against the back of his hand. The talk of jewels hidden in the shadows makes his smile wider, imagining what a strange city like this would even have. ]
Then I say we go and do so in a few days time, hmm? A little adventure for just the two of us where we can explore. If we'd like to avoid the day, we can do it at dusk. I'm hardly a morning person, to anytime noon and after are far better in my opinion, regardless of the sun's feelings on murder that day.
[ Their hands are brought back down again in case Molly wanted it for drinking more of the absinthe. ]