#thread (lighting the lanterns) & lottie

[mxsterhxku]

@lottalottie

Haku arranged a few products so that they wouldn't clink so loudly together as they carried them, enjoying the sunlight streaming through the windows of Fountain of Youth. It had been several weeks that Haku had returned to the shop, their mistress pleased with the products and the referrals from Maude.

Their fingers found the piece of paper at the bottom of the box, and they smiled as they withdrew it and slipped it into a pocket.

Another customer approached the counter and Haku smiled over at them.

"Good morning, beautiful day, is it not?"

[lcngstcryshcrt]

Haku slid into the seat beside Lottie, giving her a wan smile and catching the bartender's attention with two raised fingers.

"Miss Charlotte," they replied, leaning their forearms on the bar. "It's a pleasure to see you as always."

They nodded their thanks as the bartender slid a glass in front of them, studying the contents instead of the look on Lottie's face.

"I wouldn't say 'okay', but I am here," they finally replied, sipping from the glass and finally looking over at the young woman.

"Were you... Also taken?"

Haku wasn't really even sure why they asked. They hadn't spoken to any of the other... Survivors? Hadn't sought out sympathy or closure or healing.

Haku didn't deserve to feel at peace for everything they'd done for Yubaba.

LOCATION: any bar ?? FOR: @lcngstcryshcrt (haku)

Lottie didn't frequent bars to drink; at least, not usually. She often would come by for an hour or two in hopes to meet Mr. Right, despite all the times that had simply not happened. Tonight, though, she was here for a drink. Everything felt heavy lately, Tia was so busy she felt like she hadn't seen her in awhile, and she was lonely. Bringing her glass to her lips, her eyes flickered to the side, landing on Haku. "Hey, darlin'," she greeted him softly. She hadn't seen them since their return, hadn't been by the spa, hadn't wanted to add to whatever stress they may be dealing with... but she had worried. Gesturing to the open seat, she offered a small smile. "You doin' okay?"