aphrxsdite

[aphrxsdite]

Accepting Hera’s offer of leaving for some hours in a hot spring was a thing that originally would bring her comfort and peace. A few hours to leave a place full of strange people inside her home, it seemed paradise. However now, something pickles her inside her mind, as if what’s normal suddenly isn’t and it invites to more questions that she’s too afraid to know the answer. Things being currently strange, yes, however were they all strange before and she was too blind? Were people she cared about weaving lies and plastic smiles until they wished to make it known.

Probably not, she trusts her instincts too much. Refuses to fall into an immature blackhole of doubts and hurt eyes, she isn’t a child anymore and accusations will lead to nothing but hurt. If this had happened, wouldn’t it be selfish to feel anger for Hera and Hephaestos break her sweet illusion of normalcy, thinking them too perfect to fuck up and end up hurt?

If she’s too unquiet in the hot springs, Hera seems to finally relax and how could she not? Now she’s the poor wife that got cheated on, the one that decided to leave instead of staying, she can almost taste the patronizing eyes that surround Hera, the entitlement of how dare you to feel anger and break our illusion of perfectness.

All of this makes her furious, clenched fists and a sweet smile while she attempts to control the narrative, and even her feeling the difficulty of it, as if she’s trying to control a river of pebbles. She worries that leaving Pontius, she’ll lose more of the control she’s already losing.

❝ It’s so quiet, I forgot that whispers and camera’s clicks aren’t normal things to run on the background ❞ she confesses, closing her eyes and trying to relax her body. They had become such normal sounds, here the only sounds she hears are of the water and Aphrodite finds comfort in this. ❝ Yes, so you want to talk about it, Hera? ❞ she smiles bitterly, noticing how the word dear doesn’t come to her lips. If it’s because the seriousness of the situation or something worse, she doesn’t wish to know.

Who: Aphrodite ( @aphrxsdite )

When: February, 2130 - First week of the Kalavria Summit

Where: Hot springs on the archipelago

Both of them needed this. Aphrodite could use a break from the event stress and Hera would like to avoid some people for a moment, so she invited the younger woman to escape to the hot springs on a local island of her choice. Pontius wouldn’t sink if they were gone for a couple hours. “As much as I love the cruise pools, this has always been my favorite activity around here.” 

She wondered if Aphro would touch the subject. The Aegean Waters spokesperson was one of her dearest friends, someone she’s quite protective of, and even closer after Hera’s sudden departure from Olympe. Yet, Hera had never mentioned her reasons to move out of home. Of course Aphrodite couldn’t know the real motive behind it, but she was now very aware of the official version: Zeus cheated on his wife. With Hephaestus. Talk about an awkward work meeting. “It almost makes one forget what awaits once we leave this peacefulness.” She pokes, wants to see how long it will take for Aphro to ask.

[aphrxsdite]

ohartemis​:

They are starving, the vultures. They’ve found an affair-shaped body and pecked it dry and now they want more. Artemis cannot say she’s surprised. She will say that she’s bothered, very much so, by the way her presence on Pontius during the summit draws the attention of press. Not in all ways: there’s publicity to be found that’s favourable, but so much of the attention seems focused on her parents as well as the curious case of Aphrodite Dilbat and other public figures Artemis has been in conflict with. Why they cannot focus on what’s in her mind, what she thinks of the summit … well, she knows why that is, but it agitates her all the same.

The vultures search for controversy, for pictures they can use for articles where they can link back to previous articles and get all the clicks. Artemis grows quite tired of them. Tries to offer them incendiary commentary on Talaria in stead, a collaboration with her publicist and herself, but it’s hardly enough. They want drama, not social commentary. And Artemis always gives drama, in the end.

It’s not always easy, to be a fire starter. But it is fun.

She mingles on Helicon, looking her shiniest best, fingers on the upper arm of a former costar. And then, there’s a whisper in her ear, a shiver down her spine. Speak of the devil, but the devil is a woman, and that woman is nothing but beauty, infuriating and devastating beauty. Artemis does not need to see her to know that Aphrodite pulls all eyes towards her with her sheer presence and it’s envy as well as stubborn attraction that have her turn around and taking her in, “The vultures love a bit of potential drama,” she says, considering Aphrodite’s words. 

Artemis does not want to help her, in any shape or form, but the tabloids and their pesky reporters are starting to get on her nerves. Throw them a bone, Aphrodite suggests. She takes a miniscule step forward, plucks the glass of champagne from Aphrodite’s hand and takes a sip. It might be genius, what she’s alluding to. Artemis wishes she’d come up with it. She hands back the glass, lets their hands touch on purpose. “I’m in. What are you suggesting, though, dear? A catfight, or something sweeter?” She smiles. “If you can handle a taste.”

When Artemis turns to face her, Aphrodite feels her throat suddenly becoming dry as sand. The woman is almost too beautiful, too charming, too magnetic, she sometimes wonders if this is the impression that she gives to others. She’s so used to turning others into fools and look at her, almost committing the same mistake. She turns her gaze to the person that Artemis’s was talking to, a sweet and polite corporate smile that can be translated “Get the fuck out” and she watches the guest scramble away, eyes locked to them.

Not having any more excuses to avoid looking at Artemis, Aphrodite turns her full attention towards her again. Not knowing if she wants to take a step forward or a step back, probably both.

Still, she’ll lets their finger touch for a brief instant as more people turn their gaze towards them. She then sips from the flute again, welcoming the alcohol and hoping it cures her parched throat.

❝ I’m sorry, I don’t want to smudge my makeup with a slap or damage my throat by screaming ❞ she looks disinterested at the first suggestion, although a catfight would be an interesting thing, if not for her losing her reputation or dignity at the end of it. ❝ How kind of you, to worry if I can handle something sweet, love ❞ she watches as some hair strands seem to escape Artemis’s immaculate hairstyle, pretending to smile, Aphrodite takes the few strands between her fingers and puts them behind Artemis’s ear, making sure her fingers glide over the area a bit. ❝ I believe I can deal with sweet, thank you, I’ll send you the location for the photos then? ❞ she surely hopes that by sweet Artemis doesn’t mean poison or something likewise toxic.

[aphrxsdite]

DISCORD IS BACK, EVERYONE

[aphrxsdite]

.

[aphrxsdite]

closed starter for @alectocarrion location : helicon deck | pontius when :  february 2130 | week 01

Having the panels finished for the day, Aphrodite doesn’t stop, there’s so much to be done before there’s any rest. One of them is introducing Alecto to several names in the corporate world, the dangerous employees that’ll take one look at their new position and prepare the knifes, people so used to power and money that they still need to be reminded about their place in once and while. It’ll do good for them, to know how to take a glimpse at the social threads and get them used to it all.

And she does that, Aphrodite takes Alecto’s arm and drags them across the room. No name is left without knowing Alecto’s name and subtly that they do have protection, that Pontius has turned its attention to Alecto. Aphrodite’s smile and delicate hands upon their shoulders is the obvious sign, only a fool wouldn’t notice it.

Still, after several pockets of people, Aphrodite sees that she committed a mistake. Normally people aren’t used to the spotlight, to the edged smiles of the powerful and how to talk with them as an equal without slipping into dangerous grounds. It once brought a tiredness that she forgot several years ago. A tiredness that she sees in Alecto after many hours of talking.

Waving her fingers in a goodbye, a practiced smile that don’t open any opportunities for them to be approached, Aphrodite guides Alecto to an more secluded balcony.

❝ I’m so sorry, love, I think I forgot that talking for hours without stopping for breath isn’t the standard procedure ❞ she apologizes, her eyes looking to the horizon and the starts, a frown slowly adorning her face. ❝ You’re doing very well, probably it won’t take long for you to deal with them alone if necessary. ❞ there a hesitancy marring her voice, as if the desire to say something more is slowly leaving her lips

[aphrxsdite]

closed starter for @ohartemis location : helicon deck | pontius when :  february 2130 | one day before the chaos ball

There’s something strange about returning home and finding that there’s no brief hiding from the storm. Everything is comfortable and uncomfortable, she’s locked inside a limbo where safety seems edged. Talking with guests, Aphrodite finds herself distracted, the flashes and cameras don’t seem to be placate her discomfort. Her focus seem to always slip and find Artemis’s back, the pleasing curve of her neck, as if in her anger there’s an anchor, something that wraps itself around her soul and turns her tongue bitter.

The tabloids are talking again, wolves finding a home in the ocean and she’s tired. Too tired and angry, her smiles are heavy and people are noticing this, noticing that dear Aphrodite isn’t perfect anymore, there’s cracks that they can find purchase in, they’ll take a glimpse inside her and see that there’s not worthy things remaining. So instead of allowing them this pleasure, an instinct takes form into a plan, the impulsivity of it makes her brain ring in alarm

She walks towards her, no big smiles and openness, in the contours of her face they’ll find a type of seriousness that’s unsightly and if they look with attention, they’ll see other things that she kept hidden far too long. It’s what she can do, because being near Artemis makes her heart flutter and a pit open inside her stomach, her presence fills her mind with so many complicated feelings and desires and Aphrodite holds them, fills her cracks with lies that are half-truths.

Aphrodite stops behind her, the distance close enough that she can sweetly whisper on Artemis’s left ear. She finds it a good thing, there’s safety in not being able to see Artemis’s gaze.

❝ The tabloids are apparently starving, love, I need to focus on productive things and they’re being too much of a bother. I believe it’s the same for you, no?❞ she offers, hiding the anger in the huskiness of her voice, finding herself a bit of joy in the moment and this makes her smile a little. ❝Let’s give them something interesting to chew on, a little chaos for them, a little peace for us to do our own separate things?.❞ she waits patiently for Artemis to understand her meaning, a flute of champagne in one hand and the other free.

[aphrxsdite]

Aphrodite was a fucking fool, to even trust, even if a little, Artemis. She wants to curl and hide, not see anyone’s face, not even imagine Poseidon’s disappointed face. She was finally in a good position, after all the fight for the scraps she could see the glimpse of something better. She was brushing shoulders with people she had seen on movies and news, she was finally doing something important.

There was finally a place with a drop of safety, she wouldn’t have to worry her parents with her tired appearance she couldn’t hide from them. Their worried eyes as she showed up with a rigid smile, her voice too smooth to avoid any cracks. They even were happy now that she was assisting with PR management.

And she had found this little safety is Artemis too, the fucking fool she was, how many had been so easily mesmerized by her laughter? Her heart fluttering every moment she said her name. How embarrassing it was to feel her cheeks redden every time they touched, kisses on their cheeks just made the air so heavy, lungs forgetting the simplest motions. They were only friends, of course, and Aphrodite would hide these shitty feelings until after she was dead and buried.

Still, it hurt as hell.

Listening to her fake hello, acting as if nothing happened. Disbelief and incredulity marring her face.

❝ Media storm? No storm in ‘IRL’, are you fucking with me? ❞ she doesn’t sit, she is frozen, staring at Artemis “without knowing what to do except make sure her voice doesn’t break. ❝ Don’t pretend, don’t act like that there’s no remorse, don’t act like you don’t fucking care. You’re acting. ❞ her voice is cracking, tiny shards chipping away little by little until there’s nothing but hurt.

What did she hope? To see her an apology? To hear what she truly wanted to hear? No wonder she was in the situation she was in, the fool.

where — pontius, helicon. when — 2123 with — @aphrxsdite

Pontius’ latest strategy on their projects in the Archipelago is, admittedly, clever. Something of genius, something only someone like Aphrodite could be responsible for. A bit of spinning that’s impressive: how skilfully some of the less-pretty details are omitted and people might forget, how everything can be done in the name of innovation. And yet Artemis takes to it, along with some of her industry friends ( activist actresses, outspoken darlings, controversial in the eyes of certain family members ) and attempts to slam it down. They spot cracks in the language used. They take to social media, respond with polished arrows, pull their followers along with them in condemning Pontius and promote a fund for soon-to-be-former inhabitants.

Artemis knows. They knew, all along, that this was a project Aphro was excited about. That her friend was growing more secure in her flashy position and that this meant something. But they had seen opportunity — opportunity to be oppositional, to take a stance, to get her followers to revere her, to reach headlines once more. And she had taken it, even if she had known it might hurt Aphro.

This meeting of friends isn’t a meeting in the clandestine office feel of ti all, but it might as well be. And so Artemis approaches, feet half-dragging, half-skipping. She’s not sorry, she thinks: this is the game, after all. You take opportunity to get ahead. It’s not personal. But it feels somewhat personal, as she sees Aphrodite on the deck. “Hiiiiii,” she sing-songs, plopping down in a seat across from her after giving a quick . No extravagant greeting. “Bit of a media storm, hm? At least there’s no storm IRL.” 

[aphrxsdite]

ohartemis​:

They play these little games, wrap their tongues in cotton-candy fakeness and scratch each other in the face without lifting an actual finger. Artemis thinks that, in another world, Aprodite and her could be the very best of friends, perhaps if their goals were aligned. But the Fates would not have it so.

Always blame the Fates. Artemis likes to think she makes even blasphemy look charming.

“Oh! I must have missed some geography lessons, way back when. Must have been working on one of my many hit movies in stead.” She likes to throw facts like these in the mix, little pinpricks of reminders that she’s not quite like most other people. For better or worse: that’s up to them to decide, though she imagines it’s often for worse.

Aphrodite speaks of her plans and Artemis wonders what would happen if she were to simply say no, to tell her and her team to burn their plans and see if they could rope in one of her sisters or Apollo in stead. “Hmm, and I’m the one you’re choosing to go with? Or are my siblings being roped into this little stunt, too? I don’t have the most positive public relationship to Pontius, after all.” In her activism section on Talapedia, it certainly describes her opposition against some of her uncle’s endeavours. Pocket money sunk into charity. Protests joined. Articles reposted. 

Fates, she tires of it sometimes. Figureheading things like this, her admittedly pretty face utilised for a goal she has no heart for. Artemis stares at the phone, but does not interact with it further. “Hmm. And what’s in it for me, dear?” A blink of her eyes. “Good optics for you, my face and image used for your little advantage.” Am I just a doll for you, playing dress up when some fucker spreads silly rumours? She wonders if Poseidon has a hand in this. She’s not sure if she’d be offended or pleased if he had. 

She types of her phone, glad to have something to do instead of looking at Artemis’s smug. Upon hearing about the missing classes, she can’t help but chuckle, condescension dripping from it. Is it acting perhaps? This obsession with wrapping her daddy’s gifts into pretty packages called accomplishments. Not the first time Aphrodite has wondered if Artemis isn’t delusional in some way, as if all the spotlight burned some important synapses in her mind.

Pretty smile and all, did she based her own on Artemis’s? Perhaps once, a long time ago. Now her smiles when she looks at her are all filled with edged pleasantries meant to hurt, polite words filled with toxicity. It’s good that she avoids Artemis, she’s going to end up getting poisoned by just being near her or worse.

There’s something funny in the words exchanged, smiles barely hidden snarls. It’s awful, but she enjoys toying with Artemis even if it means she has to take medicine to fucking calm down later or risk aneurism.

And then Artemis’s words hurt a little too much, yet again. And she loses, not the first time too.

Stretching what was barely bearable and Aphrodite almost slips in her composure, the anger and resentment so tightly wrapped up threatening to easily unfurl into ugliness.

“You don’t want to have this mess on your lap, Artemis, there’s some things that cost far too much. You don’t want your father to know you didn’t help clean this mess in his household, do you? On his birthday, in front of his fucking guests?” her smile continues, it’s instinctive, her job demands it and it’s completely mechanical at this point, the only thing evidencing her fury is how her words sound to one’s ears.

HC: The two take a couple of pictures, there’s an agreement with posting some supporting things on Tala that show that there’s no intention of Aegean Waters being bought or thar Pontius and Olympe are in bad terms.

[aphrxsdite]

deathsknife​:

There’s a flicker in Aphrodite’s gaze that Thanatos doesn’t recognize. Want, maybe. Easily mistaken for curiosity or interest. The difference splits hairs on how long the gaze lingers, what it falters on, how it travels. After a beat Thanatos is sure Aphrodite wants him, but not in the manner of how. Can’t for the life of him imagine what she, golden face of Aegean Waters, wants with what she thinks of him – mouth full of Poseidon’s boot, as it were.

It’s a damn good thing Thanatos put down his drink. He would’ve choked on it a second time. He swallows his surprise down instead with a thumb on the glass rim, pressing and pressing until he knows it’ll leave a mark. 

She can’t know. There is no way for her to know. No way for sweet, principled, corporate Aphrodite to understand the knives Thanatos and Ariadne hold to each others throats and still look at him like some particularly interesting puzzle. Or pesky intern. He turns his thumb around the glass rim, pressure aching behind the nail. 

If it were anyone else, the response comes easy as breathing: It’s funny you say that. He quite likes when I touch him.

But Aphrodite, like Thanatos, is a singularity. There is no one else.

“Yes, I understand. Apologies if I’ve given the wrong impression. We’ve just been spending time together while I learn the ropes, as it were, around the deck. I don’t – I know the reputation … people where I’m from have. I really don’t mean any harm.”

Aphrodite would be a fool to believe Thanatos’s excuses, still, she allows her body to relax, the drink helping with it. She’ll have to pay attention, maybe, they could even become friends one day if the stars align. She doesn’t like exchanging words with dumb people and Thanatos is everything but dumb. Their pretty eyes staring at her and everything with a lovely veil behind them, not a whisper or emotion leaving them without Thanatos wishing it so.

She can work with this, it’s time they had more people that can lie to her face and be actually good at it.

Ariadne is the other person, although she enjoys having the knowledge of knowing, but it’s a hard and fun thing, a funny game. The only person she cannot understand is Poseidon, a smile so perfectly practiced, he makes the art of lying seems nothing but truth and her amateur indeed.

Aphrodite catches the eye of one of the barman, points to their drinks and in a few moments new drinks show up. Sparkling with mysterious alcoholic combinations.

She can work with Thanatos, if they join Pontius, it’ll be rather enjoyable even as long they know to not fuck with what she protects.

❝Thank you, Thanatos, it’s good that I was mistaken then ❞ she gives a drink to him, very politely. ❝ Very good indeed, no? And to know the reputation even. I’m glad we had this talk, dear. Do you have my number, no? Call me if you need anything.❞ she kiss both of Thanato’s cheeks before leaving, one hand already on her phone.

End

[aphrxsdite]

Aphrodite laughs at some poor taste joke, her fingers on Poseidon’s arm tapping the most interesting things. One of them being simply “What a bore❞ or “I’m starting to get angry❞ this one taking the form of her simply tighten her hold on Poseidon’s forearm. She is too polite to offend, of course, however it’s difficult to pretend to Poseidon that is everything fine while she has to glance at Arctech’s CEO’s smile from the crowd.

She wants to make them leave the room crying, shedding tears as a snake sheds its fucking skin.

Her face contorts in a expression of sadness and disappointment, her lips almost making a “tchsk” sound. Perhaps she can make dear Mr Argyros think twice before thinking doing things like changing Arctech’s “priorities❞, as if she couldn’t see the fear of the rumors that affected their decision.

❝ Yes, Mx Kher, these changes in priorities, they are so alike to brusquely made choices, although I’m very sure that Mr Argyros is a cautious person ❞ she plants the words, so sure that Mx Kher will catch her meaning. She then looks at Mr Argyros very briefly, talking with a group of people somewhat near them ❝ Their departure in investing on new satellite technology to more, let’s say, widespread types of technology will be sad indeed. Although, if I’m not mistaken, your company has started your own research on this specific technology? ❞

nemean hall | early in the week | @aphrxsdite

whoever said you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure? the absolute lie of it, the ignorance to the fact that good business was pleasure. the delicate dance, weaving between patrons, balancing drink in hand, the puzzle of conversation, the flash of victory as people fall into his goal, the satisfaction when they think it was all their own.

made all the better for the company, audience and instigator alike. aphrodite on his arm, four helpful conversations already completed tonight. they smile, reach forward to rub at the lipstick stain on their conversation partner’s champagne flute. “ mx kher, i fully agree. the shifting priorities for arctech is just so disapointing. ” leans back, angles their complants to refocus target. “ for all that pontius has had such a good relationship with them in the past, i do worry. ” glances towards ‘dite to seal the deal, amusement flashing in the corner of his expression.

[aphrxsdite]

Aphrodite arrives at the bakery with a dazzling smile, finally having a small break from all the stress. She sees Heph on a more discreet table and immediately goes to him, taking of her sunglasses and putting her phone away. This is to be a quiet moment, a carefree moment with Hephaestus, who she adored.

So she approaches him, greeting him with a touch on his shoulder before sitting beside him in a chair. Eying the different assortments of sweets, she chooses one very carefully before eating it.

❝ We must get the recipe of this, by the Fates ❞ she even licks the point of her finger, completely absorbed in the taste, until something clicks and Aphrodite turns her attention to Hephaestus. ❝ We do, darling. The fucker bit you, didn’t he? ❞ she asks taking his chin in her hand trying to see the bite mark on his beautiful face. ❝ You were bitten, Ari was punched, Hermes is starting to be seen as a punk, Patroclus is very hurt emotionally, I worry about Circe. When it’s my turn, huh? ❞ she jokes, a bitter smile showing on her lips. She cannot hide her worries this time, nor does she wants to, so she places her face on Hephaestus shoulder, hiding it from view. ❝ I don’t care much about the stock dropping, we’ll fix it, but who’ll fix us, my love? I worry about Poseidon worrying about us.❞

closed to @aphrxsdite​, the day after the Aleus leak to Pandora

He’s not seen Pontius’ resident spokesperson since he’d left their war room at Nemean Hall with Ariadne for Symposia, Aegean’s stock still tanking and the lot of them thrown into their respective fire drills. He knows Aphrodite to be the master of her domain, a sensation and a starlet in a league just as organic as Apollo’s or Artemis’ but in a different vein altogether, and he knew while she had the press placated, it was up to him and Ariadne to do the dirty work and deliver the results, pristine and polished, into the palm of her hands, from which, presumably and inevitably, the public will eat.  

He asks her to meet him at a bakery close to Xenios, an establishment that endeavors to be seen as ‘quaint’, but boasts far too much gloss and shine and suits to be anything but hifalutin. Decent coffee, though. He already has a small array of fruits and pastries waiting by the time she finds their table, and he greets her with a smile, triumph curling his lips.

“Hi, Dite. Have we got some catching up to do.” 

[aphrxsdite]

ohartemis​:

Truth be told, Artemis thinks the rumours of Nemean News buying Aegean Waters are brilliant. Ridiculous, of course, but absolutely hilarious in their outlandishness, in the chaos of pitting two Rhea brothers against each other like that — she’s almost envious that she’s not behind it. Artemis decides she will be inspired by it, should she ever feel the need to kick up some familial chaos. 

Aphrodite’s message is delivered by her assistant, a springy thing that Artemis adores but does not pay nearly enough attention to. Forced on her by management, rather than her own volition, as Artemis prefers to handle everything herself. The fact that she often tends to do this chaotically and/or poorly leaves Thalia overseeing her email inbox, these days.

Poor Thalia, indeed. Artemis tells her to email back that she’ll meet and tells her, too, that she has no intention in fixing this mess. It is not hers. It is Aegean Waters’. But, she’ll humour Aphrodite. Besides, she has always appreciated beauty.

And Aphrodite? It does not matter how infuriating she is, but she is beautiful. When she moves into a room, Artemis is left feeling envious and infuriated, as head turn towards her when it’s she who has the biggest name in the room. She has never been good at sharing anything, most of all attention.

“Dite!” Fake niceties are in her blood. There’s a peck placed on Aphrodite’s cheek, lips curling up. “I’m nothing if not wonderful. Busy, really, with everything, but I could fit you in. This entire thing is a true disaster.” She sits, crosses her legs. “I mean, I would hate to raise the illusion that my family’s company would be interested in Uncle Poseidon’s fun little empire.” The smile on her lips grows. Oh, it almost reminds her of herself and her siblings: little pawns in a game so much bigger than any of them. “So, how to clean this mess? Do tell me what plans you have been cooking up in that PR brain of yours.”

The sweet falseness makes her ears ring, how would’ve thought that Artemis’s voice could have so many similarities to a harpy. The polite kiss on her cheek leaves a bit of a burning mark, not so dissimilar to a bug bite. Places her fingers where Artemis’s touched her skin almost absently minded, the only thing stopping Aphrodite to scratch it away is her training.

Her fingers quickly leave her face and find a flute of champagne to hold, if she’s forced to hold hands or something, Aphrodite will not be so sure about being able to hide her expressions.

Although hearing about Artemis pretty nepotistic life almost makes her expression sour. Truth to be told, Aphrodite wonders how good things have come from Zeus Rhea’s little empire. Perhaps money really buys you talent in Artemis’s case.

She vastly prefers Pontius, she’ll never have to worry about daddy’s favorite girl having her position or something. Fates preserve her from ever having to pay lip service to a spoiled child in Pontius, if this happens, the child will end in the fucking sea.

❝ Little empire you say? Oh, you truly have a good sense of humor, my dear, although geography lessons are important or so I heard ❞ her teeth clink in a smile, several words passes through her mind in brief flashes. ❝ A little publicity shoots, some dainty interactions on Tala. My people are already doing the work, we just require giving them something to work with. ❞ she says tapping some messages on her phone. ❝ I know that you tend to know how to be photogenic, am I correct? You have a very pretty face, good angles.❞ the compliment slips from her lips as if an unconscious mistake. She shows her phone. ❝ Shall we, dear? ❞

[aphrxsdite]

alectocarrion​:

The urge to stare into the setting sun, no matter how fake, in order to feel something past the boredom and discomfort that runs rampant within Alecto’s mind is strong. But she withholds, a devastatingly impolite smile adhering to her features that tells everyone who attempts to approach her to turn around, that her tongue is not heavy with stories of Tartarus. Not like the others, not like those who are better suited for conversation. 

The flute of champagne that Alecto holds has gone untouched, bubbles collapsing against the surface in sad half-sparks. When it’d first been poured, they’d been hitting the underside of her chin in a frenzy. Alecto doesn’t bother to feign interest in their company. Instead, they roam, small form easily slipping between those who never seemed to learn what it meant to take up too much space with just their attitudes and presence. Alecto narrowly avoids an elbow hitting just beneath her shoulder blade as she skirts past a group of elderly women. 

A conversation of interest stops Alecto in their tracks, but before they can effectively listen in, the feeling of somebody’s chin on their shoulder has them frozen. Aphrodite’s voice, as if a song, lifts to Alecto’s ear before they make the move to wrench away. 

Turning around, Alecto looks upon her. “You could probably just leave, I don’t know if anyone would notice.” What applied to them did not apply to Aphrodite, and Alecto knows it, but they offer it as a solution anyhow. “But I could, as long as we find something better to drink than this shit.” The flute in Alecto’s hand is stale, and they set it on a tray of a passerby, giving a small head nod of thanks. The Fury turns towards Aphrodite, meeting her gaze. “I was supposed to meet my friend here, but it doesn’t look like he showed.” It’s a lie, of course. Alecto had always intended on running into Aphrodite. “So how about some better liquor?”

Aphrodite laughs, happy to have surprised Alecto, perhaps a bit too happy because of the drinking. She even makes a motion to call a waiter that’ll offer more of the drinks, however what Alecto suggests makes her pause.

She has done everything she needed here and perhaps being seen leaving with them could cause interesting waves, even if didn’t, there was something very interesting in Alecto. Aphrodite enjoyed dancing around with danger and Alecto had very dangerous eyes indeed.

So she smiles, waves at a couple of acquaintances that passes nearby.

❝ I do believe they would notice ❞ she says tilting her head to whisper as to hide her words. ❞ Do you see the two over there? They are probably already taking pictures, calling their contacts and asking what the fuck are we talking about ❞ she continues, showing the curious little people with movement of her head. ❝ I would be eternally grateful if you leave this place with me, the drinks are very fruity.❞ she mumbles while staring at the flute on Alecto’s hand. ❝ Who left you all alone in this place? ❞

[aphrxsdite]

patroclusc​:

-

Patroclus sighed and closed his tablet finally, watching as the employees were doing a magnificent job in pleasing Aphrodite with their work ethics but then he turned his head at the woman herself, giving her a glance that was clearly asking if any of this really necessary? But knowing Aphrodite and their friendship he knew that it was because if the situation was flipped, he would’ve tried taking care of her as well.

With the food in front of him, he finally remembered that yeah, he hasn’t really had a healthy meal in a few hours at least, maybe more because they last thing he remembered putting in his stomach was all liquid, probably a mix of wine and coffee if the empty bottle on the table near him was anything to go by.

“Nothing has happened.” He tried against patiently, taking a sip of the wine for a moment before setting it down and grabbing the fork. “I’ve just caught a breakthrough with the plan and had to write it down before I forget and I guess I got carried away.” He felt like a machine, he has been feeling like a machine for so long that he forgot who he was in the first place.

He smiled though, it was nice knowing that Aphrodite cared in her own little way. “Thank you for bringing me food, Aphrodite and even my favorite.” 

It’s most obvious that dear Patroclus has lied to her and will continue with it. It would be better if he lied with any proficiency, it would make her feel better. She makes a plate for herself too and starts to eat in the comfort o Patroclus’s bed. Her eyes glance at the empty wine bottle, how he looks at the food with hunger and much more.

Something bad happened and Patroclus doesn’t want to share, probably wants to hide deep inside him until it grows roots and branches and fill him whole. It makes her worried, so much worried. Still, she doesn’t touch him, doesn’t leave the bed to hug him, as much she wants to, it will not do to touch him without permission, without a gesture or something. So Aphrodite waits, very patiently while cutting the fish with a knife.

❝ We need to work on your lies, dear. Although I don’t imagine you being able to lie to me ❞ she confess before taking a bite, the complex and delicious flavor making her eyes close forma brief instant. ❝ Please, Patroclus, I’m worried, I’m very worried, did that man threatened you? That’s why you haven’t left this place ❞ the words spills as with the anger of imagining her dear Patroclus listening to threats, how would anyone dare to do this and expect to fucking survive the fallout?

[aphrxsdite]

nyxerebvs​:

—

Nyx was passingly familiar with Aegean Waters’ spokesperson. She’d kept an eye on Aphrodite after noticing how she’d risen through the ranks, impressed by her ambition and skill, even if she found her personality as lacking as all of those in Pontius. Distantly, she’d always thought that they could use someone like her in Pontius, someone who could win them better media coverage. But she’d never done much to act on that impulse, never sought Aphrodite out much at all. So the letter was a surprise, to say the least.

It was curiosity that brought her out to the fountain outside of Nemean News Tower, more than anything. She approached Aphrodite, gave her a quick handshake, then crossed her arms. At the niceties, she only raised an eyebrow. Luckily, Aphrodite knew better than to beat around the bush, so she wasn’t left wondering what she was there for long.

“Ah.” She knew, of course, exactly who Aphrodite was talking about. If Khton had encouraged him to speak out about his experiences on Pontius…well, Aphrodite would have no evidence of that. “I can’t exactly control what my employees do in their free time, Aphrodite.” A blatant, shameless lie. “How is this my problem?”

Aphrodite tightens her smile when she listens to Nyx’s answer. Her first instinct is to chuckle. A hand goes to her own neck to fix a very inconvenience necklace and then Aphrodite walks a few steps, her anxiety and restless starting to bubble and the only way to hide them is to move. She’s so used to confidence, the fact that this moment leaves her in such a state is disheartening.

So she moves away from Nyx, away from her presence and walks towards some bushes with flowers that most certainly were engineered to look as they looked.

❝ Oh, please. I believe that you are one the very few people that can control what your employees do in their free time ❞ she says casually, hiding the way that showing her back towards Nyx doesn’t seem to be a very intelligent choice. ❝ So, please, allow us to do some negotiation, shall we? Your Hyla Dryopis most certainly isn’t worthy much ❞ she plays, allows the invitation to a negotiation that seems to be in Nyx favor, at least her nervousness has to be of some use. ❝ What is he worth? ❞

[aphrxsdite]

drew tanaka

the curse of aphrodite: beauty as a double-edged sword

the lost hero, rick riordan / spencer, dir. pablo larraín / brand new city, mitski / helter skelter, dir. mika ninagawa / the lucky one, taylor swift / ana teresa barboza / the titan’s curse, rick riordan / bravado, lorde / how to wear your mother’s lipstick, warsan shire / helter skelter, dir. mika ninagawa / mirror, ider / eye body #11, carolee schneemann / portrait, cecilia meireles

[aphrxsdite]

closed starter for @zagreusrhea

She likes Zagreus, he is charming, extremely talented in making people want his attention. And also, so poorly used, hidden away like a precious and fragile memory, this brittleness will be the end of him one day if it isn’t hardened. You can see the curiosity in Zagreu’s eyes, the yearning. She identifies with this, relates so much with the want of seeing a bigger world.

Poseidon wants him, he has the tendency to catch the strays, give them a place. And how fortunate that Zagreus looks like he’s one of them, a man so badly cherished, she wants to see him on Pontius.

Watching over the punches exchanged to defend one of her friends, she couldn’t have been prouder, Hermes too and it’s stressful, but she welcomes it with a smile. It’ll bring Zagreus closer to them, paint him with a roguish sort of charm.

And so when the three come around biting at the edges, wanting some money or else they would start barking. Aphrodite offers her help, she is responsible for Hermes too, why shouldn’t she extend the hand to Zagreus too?

So she offers, and then she watches him punching Ariadne, one week later. Aphrodite has to see Ariadne’s blood dripping and Hermes having to go between his close ones else they kill each other. She’s calculating the probability that will end with Ariadne taking the blame because they’re not so well protected. With Hermes ending with the fame of a brute. And Zagreus, would he even want to join them? Is he lost as he seemed?

She extends her hand with a brush to fix the makeup, something light and perfect that she obviously didn’t do.

❝ Zagreus, you know what you’ll talk, right?❞ she starts vaguely, eyes not focusing. ❝ Focus on the three, focus that you were protecting your family, your loved ones be them family or friends.❞