to remind me [Closed/Complete]
Characters: Hermione & Helen
Date/Time: Sometime this week.
Location: Hermione's place.
Rating: PG
Warnings: Helen. ♥
Summary: Hermione wants to give her mother some news.
Helen was anxious, something important. Hermione wanted to tell her something important- that could be good or it could be very, very bad. At least she was not worried that her daughter was about to put a bullet in her head or so... clearly that would have been very, very, very, very bad.
Making sure to dress herself as if she had just ran out of a photoshoot, Helen ran upstairs- just to give herself a 'rushed' look- she had to look the part after all.
Nearly breaking her heel (damn that would have been a worthy tragedy) she finally made it to Hermione's floor and knocked on the door.
The days of wanting her mother dead were over. Injured? Mostly over. There were times, she had to admit, when she wanted to shake the woman to see if sense would pop into place. But you didn't really get to pick your mother. And Helen wasn't the worst.
She really didn't expect or even want any more apologies. The one that Helen had given was worth more than multiple ones. And Hermione was fully aware of how she was clutching at that apology.
A matter for another time. Right now, she was nudging Jabba out of her way with her toes, watching his paws and mouth. Why couldn't he just die already? What was allowing him to live this long? ...was he drooling on her? Disgusted, she stepped over him quickly and went straight for the tissue box.
As the door had been left unlocked in anticipation of her mother (who exactly did she have to fear when she hadn't seen Neoptolemus in ages and also felt she could take care of him herself?), she called out, "Come in!"
It was not in Helen's nature to apologize (especially since as far as she was concerned, she did nothing wrong- but that was another topic for another day). She would still like to kick Menelaus for his insistence on children, but it could be worse. Helen thought a boy would have been easier to manipulate.
The 'come in' was clear and so Helen pushed the door open, smiling as if everything was just perfect in the world. It wouldn't sway Hermione, like it swayed others but~
"Dear one, it's your mother." God, that made her feel old, "I came as soon as I could." She left her purse at the entrance- but it was not Hermione she noticed first. It was her monster cat. Jabba.
Sweet Zeus.
It was odd hearing those words from a woman she knew was younger than her. And yet mildly satisfying because she knew how it made Helen feel.
Hermione was definitely resisting a grin.
"So I can see," Hermione commented, leaning against the arm of the sofa as she wiped her foot. Glancing to where Helen was looking, the woman grimaced. "I know, he's...something. Just don't put anything valuable on the floor. He's a tad tricky.
"Never mind him, though. Sit. Do you want anything?" She glanced over her mother briefly. "Considering it looks as if you came from work and all."
Helen nudged Jabba with her shoe- a light- almost affectionate poke before she turned her attention to Hermione. "As long as he doesn't eat my show I am content." She loved her shoes after all. "A glass of water would be grand, but first let's talk." She dropped herself onto the opposite chair from Hermione and slouched, shifting to drop her legs and rest them on the armchair. Now that was more comfortable.
Giving a dramatic sigh she went on, "It was exhausting, they're working me to the bone." All not really true, Helen got her pick of jobs. They had a lot of pressure but...
Alright, she would be openly amused by that position. "I can't promise the life of your shoe so keep them on your feet." Balling the tissue in her hand, she added, "I'm sure all the work you put into your shoots rewards you in the end. I don't need to tell you who you are, Mother."
Straightening, Hermione waved her a hand as if to say it was fine while moving to the kitchen. "A glass of water won't take long." She disappeared and shortly reappeared with what Helen had asked for. "I wouldn't want my mother fainting on me."
"Which is why this position lifts my shoes and keeps them at a safe distance." She laughed a little and relaxed, "Thank you." Helen took the glass and a long sip- she was surprisingly parched for not having really done anything. Oh well.
"Now, Hermione."
A touch of seriousness cross her features for a moment, "What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Oh gods please let it not be an unpleasant surprise of sorts. Please, please, please...
She opted to seat herself first, crossing her legs. Then uncrossing before crossing them again.
And then she held out her hand with the sapphire and diamond engagement ring on it. She was rather pleased with how steady her hand was, considering what she was about to say.
"You'll actually be around to have a son-in-law this time."
If she had a monocle, it would have been dropped- sort of like those funny little cartoon-like moments, yes exactly like that. Of course, Helen's face didn't change. In fact she wasn't even sure what she was supposed to feel. Or if she cared. She supposed she had to care.
"Congratulations." She lifted her glass as if a toast, "May your marriage be far better than mine." She wasn't sure what else to say, so she shrugged a little, "It is nice to see he did not hold back, the ring is lovely."
Oh Gods, this was awkward.
"It's still my second marriage, Mother. And you expected him to hold back?" Retracting her hand, she clasped her hands together and strictly informed herself to not start twisting her fingers.
"I just wanted you to know. So it wouldn't be a surprise later if you attend the charity event. And..." Now her hands were twisting slightly even if her face wasn't betraying her anxiety. "Seeing as you understand fashion and likely have connections, I need a wedding dress. One styled from our time. None of those white, frothy messes." Pulling her hands apart, she set them down firmly at her sides. "Only if you want. I can manage on my own if need be but I wouldn't mind my mother involved in my life again. Rather, I would like it."
Helen laughed, second marriage- right, she forgto that she had married before- maybe because Orestes was far more memorable in her mind than Neoptolemus. Though she was sure Neoptolemus was far more attractive. Plus Agamemnon. Ew.
"No, no, I would love to help with the wedding- as a matter of fact- if you and Orestes would let me. I would like to make it a present for you." Yep, she had no better ideas on what to give her own daughter for her wedding- besides, she thought Menelaus would have approved of this.
No matter how pretty Neoptolemus was, he still turned his back on her and Hermione did not forgive a husband who dared to sleep with another woman while she was with him. Orestes had not. Instead, he had only tried to kill her. And with Pylades now here, she could happily be reminded of that fact whenever she saw him.
She smiled, feeling a small weight lifted off her shoulders. The gap between them was a burden. Hermione did like her family...well. Most of them. Her father was flawed but still her father. Her aunt was a strong and influential woman. Her mother was still important. Her Uncle Agamemnon could jump off a cliff, though. Into a fire.
Her smile grew at that thought. "I'd like that. And don't worry about Orestes. You know what he's like." She waved a hand in dismissal. "What matters is the bride's happiness. He's already getting me."
Helen would say that was because Orestes? He was no man's lady, unlike his father and uncle. Oh well.
Of course the gap between them was Helen's fault, a poor mother and even worse human being, but she had her charms and such. When it suited her.
Her observation made Helen laugh, "Well at least he values what he has." Unlike most men. Eh, perhaps she could understand the appeal. Of course Helen wasn't used to being second- she damn well knew that once she was in someone's life. She had an impact. Unwanted but an impact all the same.
"Then leave it to me~ I'll gather catalogues and such things." She wriggled her fingers in the air as if conjuring something. "It'll be grand." Or a disaster.
Now that she was considering a wedding happening within the next month or so, Hermione expected disaster. What else could this family come up with but that?
"Grand but small. Very small. Cozy," Hermione said, all while every disaster ran through her mind. "You know I have a first husband here. One that needs to not get involved in an affair like this."
Helen looked thoughtful (whereas in fact she was probably envisioning something horrific and amusing happening in a moment. Oh well.) "I think we can arrange that, you do realize that it might be better to uninvite your ex-husband rather than hope he doesn't hear about it?"
A few more thoughts. "Also, what are you going to do about your-" Oh she was going to Hades alright- "Your bacheloret party. Guys do one, so do women."
"You want me to announce it but ban him at the same time? Why don't I wave a red flag in front of him instead? ...I know you're right but..." Fingers at her temples, she rubbed them. "I wish I had only ever had one husband. How you manage three is beyond me."
And Hermione would send her mother to Hades in a gift-wrapped box. She had been in New York long enough to know what those of those parties were like. And she certainly looked pained. "Oh Gods. Are you serious?" And then she thought of bachelor parties. Specifically Pylades giving Orestes one and, though neither man even were present to say a word about it, her demeanor changed and she appeared resolute. "Fine."
"Just make sure the flag is big enough to cover the open window behind it." A wicked smile touched her lips, "Men are all very much alike, you're married once- you can do it as many times as required. Though shame, only one husband is here." She would much rather have another one... or even all three. Yes, all three would be grand.
That had been quick, easy and painless. "Seriously?" Hermione was not going to fight her on this one? Well then...
"I was thinking of an Iron Maiden. It wouldn't hurt me to prolong his pain." A fond smile crossed her face. "I'd still be happy with only one husband to annoy me. Maybe Father will show up, though and you can lead him around by the nose."
Fight her? Hermione was jumping ahead of any possible bad ideas her husband's best friend might. "I'm serious. But try not to put me an early grave just because I gave you the green light."
Helen held back the urge to roll around in the carpet in victory- hey, she was still a child. "Your father so does love following me around, my own darling." Siiiiigh, there she was again, missing Menelaus and Paris. Oh well.
"It is not your grave I was planning, but really- I would never." She pretended to look shocked but that faded quickly when she laughed and shook her head. "Well then, I think we have a battle plan for your wedding, dear."
"What, no girlish squeal or rolling about?" Hermione remarked lightly. "I know he does. At least you have admirers here. And you can torture that awful Deiphobus." But Menelaus, despite his flaws, would have been so much nicer to have around.
Death. There would be death involved and she could feel it in her bones. Well. Maybe not death but blood would be shed. She smiled despite that. "At least I'll have someone to go to when it all goes wrong."
Now those last words? That nearly made her fall off her chair. Helen's smile faltered a little- just out of surprise and then she smiled, childish sort of grin- all sunny and truly pleased.
"Then I shall do my best."
Date/Time: Sometime this week.
Location: Hermione's place.
Rating: PG
Warnings: Helen. ♥
Summary: Hermione wants to give her mother some news.
Helen was anxious, something important. Hermione wanted to tell her something important- that could be good or it could be very, very bad. At least she was not worried that her daughter was about to put a bullet in her head or so... clearly that would have been very, very, very, very bad.
Making sure to dress herself as if she had just ran out of a photoshoot, Helen ran upstairs- just to give herself a 'rushed' look- she had to look the part after all.
Nearly breaking her heel (damn that would have been a worthy tragedy) she finally made it to Hermione's floor and knocked on the door.
The days of wanting her mother dead were over. Injured? Mostly over. There were times, she had to admit, when she wanted to shake the woman to see if sense would pop into place. But you didn't really get to pick your mother. And Helen wasn't the worst.
She really didn't expect or even want any more apologies. The one that Helen had given was worth more than multiple ones. And Hermione was fully aware of how she was clutching at that apology.
A matter for another time. Right now, she was nudging Jabba out of her way with her toes, watching his paws and mouth. Why couldn't he just die already? What was allowing him to live this long? ...was he drooling on her? Disgusted, she stepped over him quickly and went straight for the tissue box.
As the door had been left unlocked in anticipation of her mother (who exactly did she have to fear when she hadn't seen Neoptolemus in ages and also felt she could take care of him herself?), she called out, "Come in!"
It was not in Helen's nature to apologize (especially since as far as she was concerned, she did nothing wrong- but that was another topic for another day). She would still like to kick Menelaus for his insistence on children, but it could be worse. Helen thought a boy would have been easier to manipulate.
The 'come in' was clear and so Helen pushed the door open, smiling as if everything was just perfect in the world. It wouldn't sway Hermione, like it swayed others but~
"Dear one, it's your mother." God, that made her feel old, "I came as soon as I could." She left her purse at the entrance- but it was not Hermione she noticed first. It was her monster cat. Jabba.
Sweet Zeus.
It was odd hearing those words from a woman she knew was younger than her. And yet mildly satisfying because she knew how it made Helen feel.
Hermione was definitely resisting a grin.
"So I can see," Hermione commented, leaning against the arm of the sofa as she wiped her foot. Glancing to where Helen was looking, the woman grimaced. "I know, he's...something. Just don't put anything valuable on the floor. He's a tad tricky.
"Never mind him, though. Sit. Do you want anything?" She glanced over her mother briefly. "Considering it looks as if you came from work and all."
Helen nudged Jabba with her shoe- a light- almost affectionate poke before she turned her attention to Hermione. "As long as he doesn't eat my show I am content." She loved her shoes after all. "A glass of water would be grand, but first let's talk." She dropped herself onto the opposite chair from Hermione and slouched, shifting to drop her legs and rest them on the armchair. Now that was more comfortable.
Giving a dramatic sigh she went on, "It was exhausting, they're working me to the bone." All not really true, Helen got her pick of jobs. They had a lot of pressure but...
Alright, she would be openly amused by that position. "I can't promise the life of your shoe so keep them on your feet." Balling the tissue in her hand, she added, "I'm sure all the work you put into your shoots rewards you in the end. I don't need to tell you who you are, Mother."
Straightening, Hermione waved her a hand as if to say it was fine while moving to the kitchen. "A glass of water won't take long." She disappeared and shortly reappeared with what Helen had asked for. "I wouldn't want my mother fainting on me."
"Which is why this position lifts my shoes and keeps them at a safe distance." She laughed a little and relaxed, "Thank you." Helen took the glass and a long sip- she was surprisingly parched for not having really done anything. Oh well.
"Now, Hermione."
A touch of seriousness cross her features for a moment, "What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Oh gods please let it not be an unpleasant surprise of sorts. Please, please, please...
She opted to seat herself first, crossing her legs. Then uncrossing before crossing them again.
And then she held out her hand with the sapphire and diamond engagement ring on it. She was rather pleased with how steady her hand was, considering what she was about to say.
"You'll actually be around to have a son-in-law this time."
If she had a monocle, it would have been dropped- sort of like those funny little cartoon-like moments, yes exactly like that. Of course, Helen's face didn't change. In fact she wasn't even sure what she was supposed to feel. Or if she cared. She supposed she had to care.
"Congratulations." She lifted her glass as if a toast, "May your marriage be far better than mine." She wasn't sure what else to say, so she shrugged a little, "It is nice to see he did not hold back, the ring is lovely."
Oh Gods, this was awkward.
"It's still my second marriage, Mother. And you expected him to hold back?" Retracting her hand, she clasped her hands together and strictly informed herself to not start twisting her fingers.
"I just wanted you to know. So it wouldn't be a surprise later if you attend the charity event. And..." Now her hands were twisting slightly even if her face wasn't betraying her anxiety. "Seeing as you understand fashion and likely have connections, I need a wedding dress. One styled from our time. None of those white, frothy messes." Pulling her hands apart, she set them down firmly at her sides. "Only if you want. I can manage on my own if need be but I wouldn't mind my mother involved in my life again. Rather, I would like it."
Helen laughed, second marriage- right, she forgto that she had married before- maybe because Orestes was far more memorable in her mind than Neoptolemus. Though she was sure Neoptolemus was far more attractive. Plus Agamemnon. Ew.
"No, no, I would love to help with the wedding- as a matter of fact- if you and Orestes would let me. I would like to make it a present for you." Yep, she had no better ideas on what to give her own daughter for her wedding- besides, she thought Menelaus would have approved of this.
No matter how pretty Neoptolemus was, he still turned his back on her and Hermione did not forgive a husband who dared to sleep with another woman while she was with him. Orestes had not. Instead, he had only tried to kill her. And with Pylades now here, she could happily be reminded of that fact whenever she saw him.
She smiled, feeling a small weight lifted off her shoulders. The gap between them was a burden. Hermione did like her family...well. Most of them. Her father was flawed but still her father. Her aunt was a strong and influential woman. Her mother was still important. Her Uncle Agamemnon could jump off a cliff, though. Into a fire.
Her smile grew at that thought. "I'd like that. And don't worry about Orestes. You know what he's like." She waved a hand in dismissal. "What matters is the bride's happiness. He's already getting me."
Helen would say that was because Orestes? He was no man's lady, unlike his father and uncle. Oh well.
Of course the gap between them was Helen's fault, a poor mother and even worse human being, but she had her charms and such. When it suited her.
Her observation made Helen laugh, "Well at least he values what he has." Unlike most men. Eh, perhaps she could understand the appeal. Of course Helen wasn't used to being second- she damn well knew that once she was in someone's life. She had an impact. Unwanted but an impact all the same.
"Then leave it to me~ I'll gather catalogues and such things." She wriggled her fingers in the air as if conjuring something. "It'll be grand." Or a disaster.
Now that she was considering a wedding happening within the next month or so, Hermione expected disaster. What else could this family come up with but that?
"Grand but small. Very small. Cozy," Hermione said, all while every disaster ran through her mind. "You know I have a first husband here. One that needs to not get involved in an affair like this."
Helen looked thoughtful (whereas in fact she was probably envisioning something horrific and amusing happening in a moment. Oh well.) "I think we can arrange that, you do realize that it might be better to uninvite your ex-husband rather than hope he doesn't hear about it?"
A few more thoughts. "Also, what are you going to do about your-" Oh she was going to Hades alright- "Your bacheloret party. Guys do one, so do women."
"You want me to announce it but ban him at the same time? Why don't I wave a red flag in front of him instead? ...I know you're right but..." Fingers at her temples, she rubbed them. "I wish I had only ever had one husband. How you manage three is beyond me."
And Hermione would send her mother to Hades in a gift-wrapped box. She had been in New York long enough to know what those of those parties were like. And she certainly looked pained. "Oh Gods. Are you serious?" And then she thought of bachelor parties. Specifically Pylades giving Orestes one and, though neither man even were present to say a word about it, her demeanor changed and she appeared resolute. "Fine."
"Just make sure the flag is big enough to cover the open window behind it." A wicked smile touched her lips, "Men are all very much alike, you're married once- you can do it as many times as required. Though shame, only one husband is here." She would much rather have another one... or even all three. Yes, all three would be grand.
That had been quick, easy and painless. "Seriously?" Hermione was not going to fight her on this one? Well then...
"I was thinking of an Iron Maiden. It wouldn't hurt me to prolong his pain." A fond smile crossed her face. "I'd still be happy with only one husband to annoy me. Maybe Father will show up, though and you can lead him around by the nose."
Fight her? Hermione was jumping ahead of any possible bad ideas her husband's best friend might. "I'm serious. But try not to put me an early grave just because I gave you the green light."
Helen held back the urge to roll around in the carpet in victory- hey, she was still a child. "Your father so does love following me around, my own darling." Siiiiigh, there she was again, missing Menelaus and Paris. Oh well.
"It is not your grave I was planning, but really- I would never." She pretended to look shocked but that faded quickly when she laughed and shook her head. "Well then, I think we have a battle plan for your wedding, dear."
"What, no girlish squeal or rolling about?" Hermione remarked lightly. "I know he does. At least you have admirers here. And you can torture that awful Deiphobus." But Menelaus, despite his flaws, would have been so much nicer to have around.
Death. There would be death involved and she could feel it in her bones. Well. Maybe not death but blood would be shed. She smiled despite that. "At least I'll have someone to go to when it all goes wrong."
Now those last words? That nearly made her fall off her chair. Helen's smile faltered a little- just out of surprise and then she smiled, childish sort of grin- all sunny and truly pleased.
"Then I shall do my best."