Raphael is too prideful to go complain about Tav not following up for a victory dinner. Haarlep has no compunction with slipping through a portal to ask their current (only) plaything to come over for some fun.
A/N: HAARLEP, MY BELOVED. G/N Tav.
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“Raphael!?”
The devil is loitering at a table in the Elfsong tavern, nursing a drink of something decidedly beneath his typically fastidious standards. A young man has settled across from him. The youth’s expression is this side of dreamy-eyed. Raphael winks, stroking the back of the human’s hand.
The illusion shatters the moment Raphael opens their mouth. “For you?” He bites his lower lip, chuckling. “Oh, little mouse. Always.”
Tav sighs. “Haarlep.”
They pout, waving the human away. The youth blinks, glancing between the hero and the incubus. Momentary hurt crosses his features, but he seems to understand when he’s beaten. Haarlep gestures to the vacated chair. “Have a seat. We’ve business to discuss.”
Tav crosses their arms. It’s odd, seeing Haarlep wear this skin. There are no modifications: it’s the same human the adventurer has grown accustomed to dealing with over the past months. “I’m surprised he’s let you leave the boudoir, let alone conduct business.”
“Spiteful tonight, are we? Were you so excited to see the old devil?” Haarlep makes a show of inspecting their nails, eyeing Tav throw lowered lashes. “Raphael is not aware of my absence.”
“How?”
They massage their temple. “Do you care? What matters beyond your favorite playmate being here?”
“Raphael I trust, more or less. You,” Tav levels an accusative finger at their chest. “Should not be loose in the Gate.”
“Duly noted. And you do not need to fear, sweet thing. I’ve come for you. Nothing else.” Haarlep leans forward tapping Tav’s sternum. “Raphael has been in such a sorry state since you concluded your business. He’s sulked about the House this last fortnight.”
It’s a mutual feeling, though Tav would rather cut off their right hand than admit it. There’s been a devil-sized hole in their schedule since concluding their deal for the Crown. Adventuring around the Gate has been lucrative, yes, but it lacks the same…flourish. Haarlep must see it. The incubus smirks, resting their chin in the palm of their hand.
“Mmm, he might be tempted to part with some of his treasures to see you look like that.” Haarlep grins. The expression is too open, bordering on feral, and transforms the entirety of his borrowed face. “Come back with me, hmm? He promised to call on you! Why not...make the opening move? Raphael has always been delighted by a little initiative.” That tastes like a lie. Mischief and chaos glitter in the incubus' eyes. Haarlep reaches out to catch Tav’s hand, bringing it to their lips. “And we could play again, hmm? Would you like that, mouse?”
Tav swallows. Pleasure licks up their forearm, tingling where Haarlep’s touched. Why argue? They find themself nodding, their mouth dry. “He did promise.”
“He did, pretty thing. And it would make him so happy. And it is my job,” Haarlep scoots nearer, fingers curling around the back of their neck. Infernal heat radiates from their fingers. “To keep Raphael happy.” Their lips pressed near Tav’s ear. “Say you’ll come with me, hmm? Come and make us happy.”
We all talk about how Penelope is strong in the 3x01 "Mr Bridgerton" scene because she doesn't fold after his shameless flirting but do you know what is true strenght? This moment right here. Because that boy is TOUCHING HER BARE ARM and TAKING HER HAND and he says "you really are very good, you know?" in the SOFTEST VOICE KNOWN TO MAN. And like... i'm sorry. I'm sorry but WHAT THE FUCK. HOW DID SHE NOT IMMEDIATELY FALL TO HER KNEES? Penelope Featherington is truly the strongest out of everyone because sure, she is desperately pining for him - but at least she keeps it under wraps. I would not have been able. If Colin Bridgerton said something like that to me I would have had no choice but to hit my knees and ask him if he would be kind enough as to compromise me immediately.
I can't stop thinking about the rings on Hermes' fingers. I can't. Whats the story behind those? Did he start wearing them because Charon gave them to him as a job well done? The weirdest gift imaginable to your professional associate?
Did Hermes steal them to be a cheeky bastard and got them fitted and put them on for the jokes? Did he start wearing them apropos of nothing? Just happen to start accessorizing like his professional associate? Is it part of a shared uniform? Can we see the employee handbook?
Did Charon go out and get rings commissioned to look exactly like his for not one, but two of his partner in crimes' fingers, slide each lovingly onto Hermes' corresponding digits, and then gently hold his now bejeweled hands in his own to see how they match, knowing Hermes will now carry something of Charon with him when he leaves him for his dangerous work?
I'm just. Asking. Questions. But I swear to God, if we get Charon's portrait and he has a feather or an orange ribbon somewhere on his person, I will be inconsolable for days.