"Oh, come on, there's nothing quite like a cool winter drive on Christmas."

Merry Christmas all! Stay safe. I won't be there to remove all of the black ice.

There's no way it's this surface level, right? Tell me you didn't just lead me on yo get me all riled up, right?

Well then, I'll keep the canvas nice and clean for you whenever you're ready. I'm sure you'll do great.

*he turns his arm over to expose his palm and underarm*

You have access to most of this canvas for whatever you want. Minus the obvious areas.

Well..

*he slips out of his jacket and rolls up his sleeves before placing his hands underneath hers.*

Why don't you doodle on me? Give me some inspiration. I'd ask you to do the tattooing, but I'm not too sure you'd be down for that... and i don't want to spill my ichor all over you.

Okay well obviously I've heard of the villain. I'm just trying to look deeper into it. I feel so dense.

"Sure, I can make them pretty. But unless I fold them down, they'll undoubtedly be a hazard to the guests."

He ran his thumb along the shimmering crack along the wing, mending it with a huff.

"I just want to stand out, you know? It's my first celebration as a God."

"My.. mortal problem? My immortality was never at risk."

You're a villainess, Hécate. This is treason, you must know.

I suppose not. But there's no harm in contemplating it.

Now I'm curious.. how steady are your hands?

He winced as her touch graced his hand. He took a solemn breath before chuckling at her words.

"I think the wings won. I wanted to make a spectacle out of my abilities. To make something beautiful. These wings were that something. But they just feel like a waste of time and energy now."

He turns quickly to face her, covering his injured hand while looking up to her.

"Nike! I- uh.. nothing. I was just fighting with these damned wings. Making them move without breaking is such a hassle."

Snowdrop? Figures you'd choose a flower for me. I love it..

"That's.. certainly feasible.. I'll have to do some more research into the structure of wings. They need to look natural after all.

Thank you, Persephone. I appreciate it."

"Well... theoretically, yes. If I could just make them generate lift, then he could fly too."

He turns the body around, tracing a finger along the shoulder blades. His fingertip carved into its back where wings would sprout.

Maybe we can use popsicle behind closed doors and keep snowball for the public.

Also, what implications does snowball have?

Oh, I think i simply must know your reasoning.

"How cute. Someone has to cool off that temper of yours."

"Thank you. You're going to make us blush if you keep it up"

He and the mannequin opened their hands and brought it to their faces.

"But in all seriousness. I need to find a way to see through them. Then, they would be perfect for defense. He's my pride and joy, though."

I- ah.... is there a reason you changed from snowball? I feel like there's more to popsicle. 😳

🤨 Hmmmm?

He closes his hand, causing the mannequin to lock fingers with the Embodiement of Death's.

"It's all application. I can control ice. If I can move a snowflake through the air, all it takes is time and effort to move a finger. Just hinges and balls. Like a puppet..

Do you like it?"

Stolen from Ares. As I do.

I suppose. I'm gonna have to reevaluate what suits me now that I'm a God and all that. Something to think on.

And you'd have to go pretty low against me to make me hate you. I'd stand by you for most things. I have my limits, but I trust you do too.

Nope, not yet. I've always wanted to get some but never had a good reason or idea. I've actually considered getting a brand instead of ink.

And I get it. Matching tattoos can be iffy. The connotation can get a little shaky.

Sipping his morning coffee while tweaking his mannequin's hands.

I think a tattoo would suit me well. But I also think a few more scars would make me seem a bit more threatening.

Also, matching tattoos sounds fun.

What's another scar? At this point, my scars are going to start matching your tattoos.

❄ I have returned. I apologize for my absence. Work has been super hectic recently ;-;

He chuckled as he wiped a small film of sweat from his brow.

"Thank you, Thanatos. It's still a work in progress. But I can show you what I've got."

He held up a palm and waved to the hovering God, watching as the mannequin mirrored his movements.