thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon exhaled, watching the road ahead before glancing at her briefly. “I manage my brother’s F1 career,” he said simply. “Contracts, sponsorships, PR—making sure he focuses on driving while I handle the rest.” A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Not too different from babysitting. Just with higher stakes and more expensive tantrums.”

He let that settle before shifting the conversation back to her. “Golf, though?” He arched a brow, amusement evident. “I wouldn’t have guessed that one. Scrapbooking, sure. But golf?”

There was something easier about this than he’d expected. His dates—when he had them—were usually predictable. He glanced at her again, considering. “Horseback riding makes sense, though,” he mused. “Takes discipline. Control.” He tilted his head slightly. “You seem like the type to have both.” @teaganweatherford

He nodded as he took the road towards the bistro. It would be a relatively short ride, which was fine by him, that was, after all, one of the perks of living in a town and not a big city. He had to laugh a bit when she asked her question. It wasn't that he was surprised she was asking questions, as he knew they had to get to know each other a little bit at some point, no matter where this was going to lead, but he did find the question amusing. "Bold you to assume I happen to not be busy with work," he replied. "I like climbing, maybe a game of tennis or golf if I can find the time. And I’ll admit, there’s something about long drives that helps clear my head." It was nothing really personal, and Simon did tend to keep people at the certain distance until he was more comfortable. "You?" @teaganweatherford

[thesimonhawthorne]

"Lucky indeed," he replied, leaning a bit forward before taking a sip of his drink. He then thought about her question, tilting his head. "Well, I'd say you're obviously right." He let a beat pass, his smirk lingering, before he finally added. "But that also means you’re willingly spending your time with someone you called an acquired taste.” He took another slow sip of his wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. “And that makes me wonder if you just like the challenge.” @danaxallenlopez

"I can't disagree with that," he replied with a slight nod. "You're definitely quite unique." He didn't need to add that he meant it as a compliment, he hoped that was obvious. He looked at her when she spoke and couldn't help but let out a small laugh. His own words had carried a bit more vulnerability that usually afforded himself and he didn't doubt her words. He raised an eyebrow, "acquired taste, eh?" he repeated, rolling the words over like he was deciding whether to take offense or not. “That’s one way to put it. Guess that makes you one of the rare few with refined taste,” he said, tilting his glass toward her in a quiet toast before taking a sip before he leaning back as well, mirroring her posture. “Careful, Dana. Keep saying things like that, and I might start thinking you actually like me.” @danaxallenlopez

[thesimonhawthorne]

"I can't disagree with that," he replied with a slight nod. "You're definitely quite unique." He didn't need to add that he meant it as a compliment, he hoped that was obvious. He looked at her when she spoke and couldn't help but let out a small laugh. His own words had carried a bit more vulnerability that usually afforded himself and he didn't doubt her words. He raised an eyebrow, "acquired taste, eh?" he repeated, rolling the words over like he was deciding whether to take offense or not. “That’s one way to put it. Guess that makes you one of the rare few with refined taste,” he said, tilting his glass toward her in a quiet toast before taking a sip before he leaning back as well, mirroring her posture. “Careful, Dana. Keep saying things like that, and I might start thinking you actually like me.” @danaxallenlopez

"Ah, I've never been known to be part of many people," she teased Simon, shrugging her shoulders. "I know that I'm not," her lips curled into a smile as reached for her own glass of wine to take a sip of it. Dana shook her head at Simon, "I can't say that's ever been the case with you." She shifted her gaze over to him, leaning back on the couch that they were sitting on. "Sure, you may be an acquired taste," Dana spoke with a teasing tone, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, "but you're not someone I get sick of being around." @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

While the situation was still complicated, and he wasn't sure how to make it less so, or rather he wasn't willing to envision the clear solution, he did enjoy the possibility to spend more time with his daughter now that they lived close by. He nodded, at least it was indeed simply from the mind of their daughter. "There didn't seem to be a specific destination in mind but I believe it needed to include waterfalls." @sofiassullivan

closed for @sofiassullivan

Simon was dropping off Olivia at Sofia's place, even though it wasn't too far from his, after they'd spend the day together, enjoying the free time the F1 break was offering. But something that his daughter had said during the day had to be addressed. Simon leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed in a stance that was equal parts casual and guarded. “So, Olivia mentioned something about a family trip,” he began, his tone carrying that familiar mix of dry skepticism and understated concern. "Did she run this by you first, or was that entirely her idea?”

[thesimonhawthorne]

So far, Simon couldn't really complain about working with his brother. Sure, that had lead to some uncomfortable conversations, but all in all, while he'd really enjoyed his job in finance, this was pretty good so far. Not necessarily all that much less work, but better conditions for sure. He arched an eyebrow. "Adore, uh?" He said with a chuckle. "Bold statement, not sure that many people would agree with you but I'll take it." At her mention of spending more time with him, Simon’s expression shifted—still composed, but there was a subtle warmth to it now. “I guess it’s not the worst thing,” he said, picking up his glass of wine and swirling the liquid idly. “You’re not bad company, after all.” He glanced back at her, the tiniest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Though I have to say, I’m surprised you don’t get sick of me. Most people do after a while.” It was a half-joke, but there was an underlying curiosity in his tone, as if he were testing the waters. @danaxallenlopez

"What can I say?" She laughed softly, "Your brother has always put me to work." Not that she had complaints about the last six years of working for Julian. Dana enjoyed what she did and there was a certain type of enjoyment that she got out of being so organized and constantly on the go. "No, you're probably right," she laughed, "I don't think I do stop," she couldn't disagree with Simon in that moment. "Lucky for the both you," she laughed once more with his words, "I absolutely adore the Hawthorne men," Dana slowly shook her head, "we work as a team and I'm not going to complain about getting to spend some more time with you." @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

January used to be one of Simon's busiest months, now, while he still had quite a bit of stuff to do in preparation for the season, Julian was for all intent and purposes on holiday so while he did have some stuff scheduled, it wasn't exactly rush hour at work. Which he did find himself enjoying. He was just going around town and had popped in the shop with no specific objective in mind. He looked towards Harlow when she spoke to him. "Oh, hello," he replied. "Hm, just looking around. How's everything?"@harlowhanlon

closed starter for: @thesimonhawthorne location: della mode

The day was an idle one, seeing as customers had been sparse throughout the first hours of an, so far, uneventful day. Walking through the store she was proud to be calling her place of work, Harlow's focus was bestowed upon the rearrangement of the winter collection's pieces, the change in small details to make the most of the arrangement. Though, her focus would soon shift as the door opened and for a moment, the cold poured in through the front door. A single turn of her head was enough to alert her of the presence of none other than Simon Hawthorne. A moment's quiet passed, before she was quick to bring a smile to sit atop her lips. "Hey, Simon." A beat, as she turned to him, took a step forward. "Can I uh ... Can I help you with anything, or do you want to just take a quick look around?"

[thesimonhawthorne]

He nodded as he took the road towards the bistro. It would be a relatively short ride, which was fine by him, that was, after all, one of the perks of living in a town and not a big city. He had to laugh a bit when she asked her question. It wasn't that he was surprised she was asking questions, as he knew they had to get to know each other a little bit at some point, no matter where this was going to lead, but he did find the question amusing. "Bold you to assume I happen to not be busy with work," he replied. "I like climbing, maybe a game of tennis or golf if I can find the time. And I’ll admit, there’s something about long drives that helps clear my head." It was nothing really personal, and Simon did tend to keep people at the certain distance until he was more comfortable. "You?" @teaganweatherford

Once the two were settled in the car, Teagan placed her phone in her bag, deciding to use this time to get to know the man she was on a date with. It may have been a 'set up' but she'd volunteered; might as well use this time to really get to know the other. She thanked him, taking a seat in the passengers seat and waited for him to start backing out before he asked where they were going. Offering him a smile she cleared her throat before instructing him to go to Nourish Bistro. She only hoped he had been serious when he said it wasn't bad. "What are some things you like to do when you're not busy with work?" she asked, doing her best to make small talk. @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

closed for @sofiassullivan

Simon was dropping off Olivia at Sofia's place, even though it wasn't too far from his, after they'd spend the day together, enjoying the free time the F1 break was offering. But something that his daughter had said during the day had to be addressed. Simon leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed in a stance that was equal parts casual and guarded. “So, Olivia mentioned something about a family trip,” he began, his tone carrying that familiar mix of dry skepticism and understated concern. "Did she run this by you first, or was that entirely her idea?”

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon looked up from his laptop when she spoke. He put down his glass and took the list, going over the meticulous writing. "Didn't miss a thing," he said, giving her the paper back. "I'd say I'm impressed but that's just usual stuff for you." Which was true. She was more organised than he could be, and he fancied himself as a quite orderly person. At her words, he looked at the time in the corner of his screen. When he was still working at the bank, working until late wasn't only usual, it was expected. He did enjoy getting more sleep recently. "That's true..." he said, sighing, closing his laptop and taking back his glass. "I've spent worse nights working before, though." He let out a small laugh and looked at her. "And I'm not sure you ever stop." He shook his head, amused. “I mean, you’re juggling Julian’s chaos, and now you’re here with me, solving problems that aren’t even yours. Don’t you ever get sick of babysitting Hawthorne men?” @danaxallenlopez

starter for @thesimonhawthorne

location: dana's place on julian's property

"I made a list of all the travel dates," she told Simon, pushing over her piece of paper in his direction. While she was an avid user of electronics with her organization and planning for Julian's life, paper was always much easier for her to start with. "I added in buffer dates around them as well already, travel and rest days," she continued on, reaching for her glass of wine that she had been drinking since they were working. Dana looked at her watch, the time causing her to widen her eyes. "Wow," she laughed softly, "we've been working for longer than I thought."

[thesimonhawthorne]

The situation was that Simon had backed himself into a corner by making wrong decisions after wrong decisions and now, having someone know was putting him on edge. He sighed, knowing she was right. "I'm not used to talk about it," he replied, honest, with a shrug. Because he hadn't told anyone. @joanxwagner

Joanna noted when he said thankfully, though it only made her more curious as to what the situation was, exactly. Was he denied access? Did he deliberately separate himself from the situation? Both were quite plausible. "Yes, yes. But we're not usual people." Joanna waved away his comment. "I'm saving small talk for those I can't be bothered with." She added truthfully. "Honestly, Simon. What are you so afraid of? That I will spill all your secrets to everyone? I'm not that kind of woman." @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

He wasn't sure if this conversation would go anywhere. He wasn't going to take Olivia to any of those holidays, as he had to be with his parents or they'd throw a fit and even if he wanted to tell his family, he didn't think showing up with a ten-years-old child would be the best way to breach the subject. Dinner at her dad's? "Hm, maybe..." It might as well have been a no, but he did consider it very briefly. "Different family thing on Christmas. I could do Christmas evening. Or Boxing Day." He could already feel this wasn't going to be a good conversation. @sofiassullivan

END

Nodding, she took a deep breath to hold in her thoughts. She found it ridiculous that Simon still hadn't told his family about him having a kid, but would keep her mouth shut for the sake of their daughter. "Okay. We're having dinner at my dad's if you want to join." She offered up to him, but wasn't sure if he would take her up on it. "And what about Christmas?" @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

Clearly, it wasn't a conversation he wanted to be having. He didn't want to have it with Julian, and definitely didn't want to have it now with Haven. From the get go, he'd known this was a mined field when he breached the subject to his brother, knowing he wouldn't take kindly to it. Of course, why would Haven react any better? He did mean it when he said it had nothing to do with her personally, not from him and not from the others. Sure, there were some fans who were just nasty, hating on Wags like it would change anything. Hell, he'd even gotten some heat with people questioning Julian's choice to hire him of all people. But that's not those people Simon was talking about. "I know that, and I don't want you to go anywhere. Maybe I shouldn't have asked Julian what he would choose if the question was to be asked, but he needed to know what was being said. If things were going well at Ferrari, if the car didn't suck this year and they didn't keep messing up strategy, none of this would be a subject," Simon replied with a shrug. "But they need someone to blame that's not the car and you're the victim they've chosen because the timing fits too well. They'll move on." Simon didn't feel like hashing it out would bring anything so he said goodbye and felt the room. @havenbsinclair

END

Simon should've guessed this was coming. He wasn't sure whether Julian would bring it up with Haven, but it wasn't a surprise that he did. So when she asked if they could talk, Simon immediately guessed that this would be the subject. So he followed her in. It had been an uncomfortable discussion to have with his brother, a rare moment of nervousness for the youngest Hawthorne, but he wasn't this wary to have it with Haven. He didn't feel the stakes were as high. "I thought he should know," Simon replied with an easy shrug. Yes, it was a little deeper than that, given the consequences it might have if people, especially sponsors or higher ups at the team, thought Julian wasn't 100% in, but ultimately, he wasn't lying: he'd brought it up because people were starting to talk and it was time it came to his brother's ears. "I have nothing against you, I hope you know that. That will never be the case for everyone, and sadly for you, timing wasn't really in your favour here." @havenbsinclair

[thesimonhawthorne]

"That would make sense," Jo replied with a nod, slightly amused. "It tends to happen around here." It was a pretty cleared space but that's the best they could find and they weren't going to cut down bushes and trees for a festival, so some people found their way there. Not the most fun but Jo did find it a little funny. She turned to see where the woman was headed. "Going to get something warm? You know what, that's not a bad idea," she said, starting to walk that way. @julietaxalvarez

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon shrugged. He would've been surprised if the man had an answer to his question. You never know, some people are extraordinary gift-givers and know so many generic gifts ideas that work for most people even though they didn't know they needed it. "Eh, I had to try," he said with an amused laugh. "I'll probably get him some type of alcohol." Easy gift and if it ends up that he doesn't like it, he'll still over it to some guests. "Almost?" @elianxbrowne

[thesimonhawthorne]

And he would. Having more free time meant he could spend more time with people outside of work, and that needed to mean family. Well, outside of Julian, since his new job meant spending time with his brother, which he definitely didn't mind. "Well, don't forget to get some rest too," he said, knowing how hyprocritical it would sound coming from him. @margaretxhawthorne

END

"Great," she smiled as Simon said that he would do his best. Spending time with family was important, Margaret knew that even when she struggled to make time for it herself. "Thanks," she continued to smile at her brother. "He's not really," she shook her head, "I mostly do it to myself," to get the attention she had been trying to get for most of her life from him. Had she actually been one of his sons, her position in the company would be much more than it was today. She wasn't Garrett, as much as he wanted her to be. Instead, she was Margaret. "The end of the year usually gets pretty busy, anyway." She explained, lifting her shoulders in a wrong. "Everyone trying to wrap up last minute projects." @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon shrugged. He would've been surprised if the man had an answer to his question. You never know, some people are extraordinary gift-givers and know so many generic gifts ideas that work for most people even though they didn't know they needed it. "Eh, I had to try," he said with an amused laugh. "I'll probably get him some type of alcohol." Easy gift and if it ends up that he doesn't like it, he'll still over it to some guests. "Almost?" @elianxbrowne

"Ah," Eli felt suddenly at a loss with the other's reply. As he was not familiar with the man's father in a way that he'd know what to get him and it was already stated that the man had almost everything, Eli was stuck. "Well, I suppose that puts you in quite the pickle," he offered a light hearted comment in return. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, I don't really know a lot of people that nearly have everything," he half-joked, "I've been lucky to be able to find gifts already for almost everyone on my list." @thesimonhawthorne

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon gave a faint chuckle, his breath visible in the frosty air. “You know me too well,” he replied smoothly, glancing briefly back toward the contest. “I’m just passing through,” he added, leaning lightly against a nearby lamppost as if to emphasize how detached he was from the activity. “Needed a bit of fresh air. Figured the festival would be a good place for it. People-watching, you know.” His gaze flickered briefly to Levi. “How many holiday events has she dragged you to this month?” @levi-steelexhutchinson

To many who did not know Levi, some would think that the male was someone who did not do holidays due to his bad reputation. Christmas was a fun holiday for Levi because he got to spoil people and give gifts. It was funny because growing up holidays were complicated and rarely spent it with his parents mainly because of two reasons which were because they worked and plus they hated each other. For most kids that came from a family like Levi's they would often grow up into people that hated holidays, were selfish.

Since he became a dad, Levi really embraced the holiday, doing holiday activities he never did with his parents. The male was walking through the crowds, enjoying the cool weather when his friend spotted him and he waved back. "My daughter and her cousins decided to grab me out here and which I don't mind at all and so I decided to just soak up the holiday cheer," he answered.

"What about you, I know you are not really the volunteering type Simon." @thesimonhawthorne