patroclusc

[patroclusc]

goldentheseus​:

well, that was not what he wanted to hear, although he supposed he shouldn’t have expected much else. he ought to take this whole i have children show on the road to learn more information from others too. “i am so glad to hear that. there is nothing more important than keeping our children safe. do you know who i might talk to about what measures pontius takes to ensure that?” he gave his most genuine, salt-of-the-earth smile that he could muster. “i’m sure you can understand – paris and petros are just little rascals, and i have to make sure they don’t outsmart anyone. they caused quite the mayhem in arcadia. i’m terribly proud.” 

-

Patroclus took a sip from his drink. “Probably our security if you wanna know more, but you can rest assured that I believe Pontius is perfectly safe.” With his drink now empty, he felt like he needed another one, this is going to be either a long or boring night, depending on how you see it. “Well, children can be quite the handful sometimes, but I’m sure you’re doing your best.” He mentioned to his drink. “Thank you so much for the talk, maybe we can dance another time, I’m going to refill my drink.” He gave a nod to Theseus and left for the bar.

[END]

[patroclusc]

brisciis​:

@patroclusc​

WHEN: Night of Red Dawn’s Ruin WHERE: Patroclus’ Room

She’s made it a frequent habit to see Patroclus since she arrived on Pontius. They don’t see each other enough, which would break her heart more if she allowed herself more time to think about it. Instead, she would think about which moments she could steal him away for herself. If only she could manage the same thing with Achilles, but he was much harder to grasp.

After the chaos of the night, she secluded herself for a period behind closed doors, beginning to write what she would say to the media in regards to all of this. What she could offer to prevent such tragedies from happening again. But the texts of distress came from her phone, and if there was someone who could pull her from her work, it would be Patroclus.

She had gathered her tray of tea and began for his quarters, not even knowing when she arrived, and closed to door behind her with her heel. “Your company brought favors.” She smoothly calls out, placing the tray onto a nearby surface. “Do you wish to sit or is this a moment for pacing?”

Death hasn’t been a stranger to Patroclus, he has known and inflected it, but he hasn’t had to face it in a while, in years. Ariadne has become somewhat of a friend as of late, their death laid heavy. Thersander has been a good assistant, he didn’t deserve what has happened to him, Patroclus felt the same about his death too. 

Yet, he was sitting in his room with a glass of wine and remembered the past, of when he was the one to cause death daily. It’s evitable, it’s cruel and it leaves nothing but chaos behind it. The official notice didn’t come as a surprise when nobody yelled for a medical personal, they had plenty of them on board, Patroclus included and he personally knew that he would’ve done anything in his power to save either Ariadne or Thersander. 

All Patroclus could hope for now is that wherever Chaos sent them, they’re doing well. 

His hand reached for a his phone and almost blindly texted the only person who would drop everything for him and he for her, Briseis. He didn’t feel like being alone, not right now. Not when he couldn’t also seek someone else he wanted in the room with them. Patroclus got up to pour himself another drink and an extra one for his upcoming company when the door opened. 

“Favors?” He turned and saw the Briseis with the tea. “Sit, I think.” Patroclus sighed and sat down, despite the tea he still put a glass of wine in front of Briseis. “Thank you for coming, I didn’t feel like being alone.”

[patroclusc]

ackhilles​:

Achilles’ life could be cleanly split down the middle; the twenty years with Patroclus and the twenty years after him. Never without though because it was his name underlying his every thought. It was nothing less than a haunting, a particularly cruel one at that but the alternative was so much worse. 

They had seen each other over the years but always for a single moment. Their eyes meeting from across a crowded courtyard; gone in the blink of an eye. It wasn’t nearly enough when Achilles could have looked at him for hours but he kept those moments close to his heart too, just as he did with everything else when it came to him. 

It was hard to be here and Achilles knew that it showed but a part of him had wanted to see everything Patroclus had built. Achilles had always thought of Patroclus and thought of life, of flowers blooming in the sun and a world that amounted more than the blood staining his hands. He had done it all and more and it had made it just a bit easier to breathe. For him to have the life he had dreamed of, Achilles would have done it a million times over. 

He was always aware of Patroclus and his hand tightened around the drink in his hand as he started to make his way over. He was glad for the mask and whatever flimsy protection it offered because he had never been able to hide his feelings and he could not possibly have made sense of his emotions right then — the anticipation and the fear and the sheer want. “Not my scene,” he managed to say and somehow his voice was steady. He paused, took a sip of his drink to ground himself before turning to look at him, “Not yours either.”

-

Beneath the mask Patroclus smiled sadly, because it shouldn’t come as a surprised that Achilles knew him, that truly this ball wasn’t his scene at all, he would rather spend his time working because that’s what he has been doing in the last twenty years in order to make some kind of life after Tartarus, a life alone. Alone was never part of the plan. “True.” 

This wasn’t a good idea, his head thought over and over. What good could come from having this conversation? Patroclus was trying to think of an answer but nothing came to mind. Maybe he’s weak, even after all these years he still can’t manage to move on, to keep everything that has happened in the past. Patroclus knows better, though, knows how it’s like a cloud of memories and guilt and regret, ones that he couldn’t let go or maybe he doesn’t want to, maybe as a reminder of all the good and bad. 

Patroclus brought his drink to his lips and nearly finished the glass. What do you say to the person that meant everything to you for so long? Have they forgotten how to speak to one another anymore? Once they could communicate with look alone and now? Every time he looks at Achilles, he thinks of all their late night talks and fantasies that were shattered by the mistakes of the past.

“How’s Tartarus?” An empty question to an answer Patroclus mostly know,  because he has been checking the news on Tartarus nearly daily over the last twenty years. 

[patroclusc]

Leonard Cohen, Selected Poems

[patroclusc]

invrse​:

For now, they say. Like there’s a possibility for that to change, like there’s not a mountain of reasons for why it cannot that keeps growing bigger and bigger by the day, like the decision of where he grows roots is there for either of them to make. Patroclus says ‘for now’, and even if it’s an empty proposal they should both know better than to read into, he smiles.

“That sounds good, I’d been hoping to get some work done while I was here actually,” already, he’s mentally going through the checklist of tasks that he can perform while outside of a lab-setting. He’ll be mostly limited to doing calculations and research, but with the resources here, he should be able to stay productive even if he’s not actively creating.

The mention of Circe has him stilling for a moment, head tilting in consideration, before quickly rejecting the offer. “No, probably not a good idea to pull too many people into this,” a bit regrettable, especially since he’d love the chance to soundboard off of her as well, but he’s already in enough trouble just turning to Pat for help. “Is there anything I can do for you as well? Y’know, that you’d be okay with sharing. I’d feel bad if we’re just working on my project this entire time..”

A smile appeared on Patroclus’ face, a small one but one nevertheless. “Good, but I’d hate to have the work take away from your enjoyment of the summit.” He himself didn’t mind, the fact that he didn’t have any presentation only gave him a bigger excuse to work instead of showing up, but he still did, many to support his fellow co-workers and friends. 

He nodded, of course he could understand why Hypnos refused, they were already probably in thin ice by meeting like this, Patroclus himself wondered what Tartarus thought of Hypnos telling Patroclus of his formula. Maybe nobody knew. It would make things easier, wouldn’t it? Maybe if Patroclus was on better terms with Tartarus things would’ve been different. Well, if Patroclus was on better terms, he would’ve still lived here.

Patroclus shook his head, “Thank you for your offer, but I’ve no problem working with you on your project while you’re still here.” his own projects were either secret or already in the works by his team, he did want to include Hypnos because he thought it would give them more knowledge and interest in other form of science other than drugs. His mind once again went to the hydroponic garden that he built for Tartarus and wondered what kind of changes Hypnos would make, if any. 

[patroclusc]

goldentheseus​:

thank the fates, he hadn’t lost his touch yet. ( that was two points to theseus – one for definitely being recognized and one for recognizing another. ) “i’m a rather severe businessman, i’m afraid. i have a deep interest in real estate, and i own a chunk of both towns. looking to expand, as rather severe businessmen are want to do.” he wasn’t sure where this particular story sprung from, but he suspected it was from the dreaded result of standing still for longer than a few minutes. “ah, a pontius resident! what a pleasure! how is pontius in the summertime? i’ve been thinking of vacationing here annually, but the children…” he placed a hand on his chest. “i have two. paris and petros, lights of my life. do you know if there are any tutoring programs on board? is pontius even secure enough for such darling youths? i’d hate to stay, only to be riddled with crime.” 

-

The more Theseus talked the more Patroclus wasn’t truly inclined to believe his words but he’s not a rude person nor was he looking for an uncomfortable evening, but rather simply to enjoy the ball that was happening around them. “Pontius is great in the summertime, there are plenty of pools and activities to go around.” Children? Patroclus mentally sighed, he’s just going to go with the whatever story the man in front of him wants to tell. “I wouldn’t know about any tutoring programs, but I’m sure we have them.” Patroclus was quiet for a few short moments. “Pontius is safe, I don’t remember the last time we have an incident.” In his opinion it was much, much safer than Tartarus. 

[patroclusc]

prcmethevs​:

The questions were innocent enough, and really, Patroclus’ display of concern would be considered as a little flattering. But there was a degree of wariness that stuck out, and Prometheus hadn’t missed it. Not that they could fully fault them for it. After some time at Olympe, they quickly learned that paranoia came as a second nature when you work for an establishment that probably had mounds of secrets locked away tightly somewhere. It wouldn’t be so hard to believe that things would work similarly around here. 

Still, Prometheus had always thought themself to be pretty convincing when they wanted to be. It was a skill they had built from hours of training and competing with their debate team in their schooldays, further refined as they spent years navigating the intricacies of law through academia. It was a necessary weapon that, when loaded with plenty of airtight evidence and an unshakable conviction, had successfully get them out of the courtroom with victory under their belt time and time again. The settings and circumstances they had found themself in currently might be different, but putting Patroclus’ suspicion to rest was still a similar enough game. 

So Prometheus made their best move, and laughed. “Of course I did, how could I say no to an open bar? But don’t worry about me.” They pinched the air with their two fingers, making an emphasis when they continued, “I just a little bit, really.” The smile across their face stretched into a grin. “So I’m fine, perfectly so!” Prometheus approached Patroclus and slung their arm around his shoulder. It was a gesture far too friendly, considering how long they hadn’t actually seen each other, much less hung out. But if it could sell their act a little more convincingly, Prometheus might as well give it a shot. “Seems like you, however, still have your wits intact.” Then, with a quirk of a brow, “They’re not overworking you when there’s a party going on, I hope?” 

-

“Glad to hear that, let’s get you out of here.” Prometheus shouldn’t be here but also Patroclus didn’t want them to be in trouble just because they were a bit drunk and so he walked together with them towards the exit. “Thank you.” Patroclus gave a small smile to Prometheus before shaking his head at the next question. “I don’t mind working at all, since I didn’t have any presentation, I didn’t see any harm in doing what I’ve been doing all this time.” He really didn’t, despite the partying and the open bar and the people he could meet and mingle, work never stops after all or maybe he just didn’t want to see certain people. 

“How about you? It’s been a minute since we talked.” Patroclus was indeed glad to see them, despite not being especially close or anything, he always thought that Prometheus was brilliant. “How have you been? I hope you like Pontius so far.” While he, personally, still had mixed feeling about Olympe as a whole, despite the people there being far better.

[patroclusc]

Wale Ayinla, from “Portrait of a Boy with Grief”

[patroclusc]

who: @ackhilles​  where: pontius when: the chaos ball event

Going with Hera to the ball was a good idea in general, they didn’t end up going alone and managed to have some fun while they hang out together. Eventually they both had their own conversations with their different or mutual friends and parted ways for a bit and after socializing more than enough, Patroclus found himself ordering a drink from the bar, looking around the room as he waited for his drink.

Despite the masks, despite being in a room full of people somehow his eyes always managed to find Achilles as if he was always seeking him, like it hasn’t been two decades since the two worked, lived and searched for each other daily. Patroclus turned back to the bar, the drink ready and in front of him. It was a bad idea, whatever he had in his mind but his body was moving without his say so.

With the drink in hand, Patroclus walked and found himself standing besides Achilles and his heart was beating fast, maybe if the room was quiet people could hear it from how loudly it was probably beating. However, Patroclus managed or at least tired to look calm, having a drink in his hand helped. “Enjoying the ball?” It was dry and not at all how he wanted to start this conversation. 

[patroclusc]

minotaurus​:

Fates. Maybe he is setting himself up for heart ache or maybe everything, at the end of the day, will lead to heart ache. Either way, Mino battles his face from turning into a grimace and nods. “It’s good work.” And it is. He can use his skills. He can be reduced to his skills and disallow himself to think about what it all means. It’s good. It’s good. He can be satisfied with it, if he tries.

There is a question, nearly-posed and then swallowed and Mino knows it’s probably for the best, if it stays there. But still, he prods. “No, ask. I don’t mind,” he says. “And if I don’t want to answer, I won’t, but what was it you were gonna say?” Curiosity itches. Maybe a hunger does, too, a kind of longing he tries hard to quell but cannot kill in its entirety. Fates. He’s tired.

The plants are ample distraction, though. He dips his hand in salt water, strokes a thick leaf of a plant. “No worries. I’d hate to get a plant, only to see it to its death.” There is enough death done at his hands, isn’t there? If only he knew that was something he and Patroclus had in common. “They’re gorgeous, though.”

Patroclus shouldn’t. It was a selfish question that he didn’t have the right to ask, Tartarus was it’s own kingdom and secrets and they couldn’t forget the fact the two of them were on opposite sides and are only standing here together because they met in Arcadia few years back and they share a love for nature. “I think I do. Mind that is.” Patroclus let out a deeper sigh than he would’ve liked to admit. 

Did you know I used to live-  The man you probably work under- Are you here to hurt Alecto-  Do you also have blood on your-

All the things that Patroclus wanted to talk about but couldn’t, their friendship shouldn’t go above their little shared hobby of plants, as much as there’s this pull to get closer to Mino for reasons that he wish he knew, but even the Fates won’t have an answer for him, they stopped answering his prays a long time ago or maybe they’re still keeping some in their own twisted ways. “I’m sorry.” What for? Patroclus didn’t know, but still thought that he needed to apologize anyway.

“It’s okay, I’ll gift you with a plant I’m sure you won’t kill.” Patroclus managed to smile, despite feeling like it wasn’t his usual one, but rather a sadder one. “Thank you, we worked very hard on them.” It’s all that he had after all, his work. After years of washing blood off his hands, he now washes dirt, driven by the need to forget the past and the guilt.

[patroclusc]

invrse​:

He hums at this news and drops into the indicated chair, slightly disappointed he wouldn’t get to see Alice just yet, but surely they can tour the greenhouse for a visit later. For now, there are more important matters to discuss. The sight of the holo has him sitting forward, peering intently at the data that pops up, humming again more absentmindedly as he takes in the changes and calculations that Pat’s made in the short time they’ve had the formula for. It’s no guarantee fix, given he only gave them partial information to begin with, and neither of them is working with ideal conditions for conducting proper testing. But it’s something certainly—a different perspective if nothing else, a chance to see how his work looks in the eyes of another scientific mind. He’s grateful to have even this much.

“It’d be nice if we could work on it while I was here,” the comment slips out unguarded, another one of his many wayward thoughts that has managed to roll off his tongue before his brain catches up enough to stop it. It leaves him scrambling to repair the gaff after finally realizing what he said, hoping it doesn’t come off as him having ulterior motives.

“I mean obviously I can’t, I know that, gotta keep outsiders outside of your labs and all, believe me I get it! Not trying to insinuate anything at all! It’s just..” a sigh and he leans back in his seat, head tilted so he’s addressing the ceiling. “I don’t usually get to work with other scientists. The ones back home tend to keep to their own circles, and don’t seem too interested in talking about the more technical aspects of what we do. So, y’know, I just thought, I’d have liked to have someone I could talk to during work..”

For now, Patroclus has kept the formula that Hypnos has given him only between the two of them, mostly because he truly just wanted to help the younger scientist and would never steal another person’s work and secondly, which was a little selfish, he did think that Hypnos would be better of in a place better suited for him and Pontius was that but for now he’ll keep those thoughts to himself.

The comment brought a small smile upon Patroclus. “We can.” The smile didn’t fade as Hypnos continued rambling, some parts were valid and true and other made Patroclus shake his head, of course one scientist can figure a machine or a formula, but it’s takes a team and several minds sometimes and thinking that Hypnos was mostly alone...

“Well, while you’re correct that you cannot enter our labs for now.” Patroclus emphasis those two last words. “We can work in my office and if there are any tests or checks that need the lab, I’ll make sure to do them while you’re still here.” He hoped that it would be enough for Hypnos, he didn’t want yet to request access to the lab for them, it was too soon. “You have me to talk to during work,” Patroclus smiled for a moment, trying to reassure Hypnos “and if you wish to let anybody else on the formula, I’m sure Circe would be interested as well, but that’s your choice.”

[patroclusc]

circephyra​:

“I know.” She says, shaking her head. Circe had never been good in situations she didn’t feel she could control. Her entire life, she’d felt as though she needed to have her hands on the steering wheel, and she struggled to allow anybody else to take hold. Perhaps this is why she wasn’t particularly good at forming connections with others – for to do so would be to give up a piece of her own control – to allow someone else to steer her life in a way she wasn’t sure she would be comfortable with.

“Hephaestus?” She repeats, tilting her head though she knows exactly what Patroclus is referring to. There is a certain amount of lingering guilt that comes attached to Hephaestus’ situation – the thought that, perhaps, had she thought to keep quiet, then this situation wouldn’t have spiralled quite as much as it had. Of course, she still doesn’t quite understand why Hephaestus would have agreed to serve as a scapegoat to protect the Rheas – and this uncertainty troubled her. Hephaestus was intelligent, and allowing himself to be muddied without something in return seemed unfathomable. 

“I don’t think much about gossip.” She says. She’s not a particularly adept liar – so this, at least, is truthful. “Though it seems… plausible.” She shrugs – this, too, is no lie. She supposes this is why the lie had been selected out of hundreds of possible diversions from the true secrets that still lay barely hidden. “They would have spent a lot of time together. Why, what are your thoughts?”

-

Patroclus was quiet for a few moments, trying to gather his thoughts. “I don’t have much opinion on the situation, I think.” He realized truthfully. “Hephaestus is a brilliant man, I don’t think that what I think about him professionally or personally would change.” Maybe it was years of working together that was hard to separate what happened with who Hephaestus was.  

“Zeus’ family is hurting more.” It was a fact, not an opinion. “Forgive me, I was only looking for another perspective and your honest opinion, I shouldn’t listen to gossip either.” Despite remembering his earlier conversation with Hera, her confirming to him that she has known about the affair for months. 

He got up from the his chair, putting his hand in his pockets, deciding to move past the subject that Hephaestus’ “I think you’re more than prepared for this presentation, Circe.” Patroclus smiled. “But if you want I can listen to it again.”

[patroclusc]

athenarhea​:

“Oh.” Athena almost sounded disappointed at Patroclus’s response. It was strange, too; she was sure that Zagreus had been telling the truth. Of course, sleeping together didn’t necessarily mean seeing each other…but it didn’t seem like Patroclus wanted to say anything more about it either way. If he didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t push. She decided she’d done her duty as a friend by letting him know and allowed him to move the conversation on.

“Um, yeah, definitely. I mean, what kind of news organization would we be if we didn’t cover the biggest tech event of the year?” She laughed. “But that’s not really my expertise, you know, I just do the political aspects. I am hoping to get statements on the reactions of the Quorum Members attending — tech policy is becoming more and more crucial to politicians’ platforms, you know?”

Honestly, it was work she didn’t mind, since it gave her an excuse to focus on something other than her family issues. But it would certainly keep her busy. “Grind never stops, and all. Sorry we won’t have as much time to just hang out as I wanted.”

The guilt of lying was already spreading throughout his body, especially since he knew Athena didn’t deserve such a treatment, but his hands were tied and he could only hope that Athena would truly drop the matter and believe Patroclus’ lies over Zagreus’ truth. Instead of thinking about the matter any further, Patroclus simply cleared his throat and listened to Athena.

Chuckling, Patroclus nodded because he couldn’t deny that indeed Pontius didn’t spear anything to make sure this summit was a marvel. “Did you speak to any one of them yet about their reaction? I’m asking out of curiosity, really.” It’ll be good to know what the politicians think in general, he thinks, despite not belonging in that scene at all.

 “I know how you feel, but there’s nothing for you to apologize for.” As much as he also would like to have spend more time with Athena work took priority and with everything that has been going on, Patroclus can’t blame Athena for focusing on other things, really. “Well, the summit is still going on for quite a bit so we can hang out whenever still.”

[patroclusc]

goldentheseus​:

“the job? now i simply must know more.” he hadn’t seen the man around tartarus, although he wouldn’t surprise if he was face to face with another fixer ( of a different sort ) given the stature of the man. theseus’s guess: pontius. the stranger had ‘i spend all my time wallowing, when i ought to spend it basking in the sun’ vibes. “i won’t take offense to that, since you don’t know who i am.” with a flourish, he gave a small bow; he seemed to be doing a lot of that at this event, which only felt right. “theseus angelos. you’ve probably heard of my exploits, both in arcadia and in tartarus. if you haven’t, just lie to me and tell me you have. i can’t handle the emotional turmoil of not being known tonight.”

-

He hasn’t heard of this so called Theseus but he was going to respect the man’s request and nod. “Sure, I’ve heard of you.” Patroclus drawled the sentence, making it quite obvious he was lying, but he nevertheless put a smile on his face. “Patroclus Cirillo, I work in Pontius.” He introduced himself politely, not bothering of mentioning his official title. “Good to meet you, Theseus.” That truly was out of politeness, he didn’t know yet what to make of the man in front of him. “Exploits in Arcadia and Tartarus? What kind are we talking about if you don’t mind me asking?” This was purely out of curiosity if anything else. 

[patroclusc]

How do you move on? You move on when your heart finally understands that there is no turning back.

J.R.R. Tolkien (via thoughtkick)

[patroclusc]

apvlllo​:

He laughs at Patroclus’ comment, clasping him on the back. “You have a way with worlds, my friend. Too funny, too funny indeed.”

The pools, of course, looked magnificent. It was nice that Pontius had its own things that it was no doubt very talented with. The water looked delectable, craving more bodies to savor in it. “Well, if I had it my way, I wouldn’t wear a thing, but I fear that’s not the culture here. So I just wear my trunks.” Thankfully, his flowing pants was a grace to that. So he cast his eyes back towards his friend. “I’m sure we can ask someone for a pair. People are very generous when it comes to me.”

-

“I do?” Patroclus looked confused for a moment, wondering which part made Apollo laugh. 

Tilting his head, Patroclus wanted to point out several things with what Apollo said but instead just sighed. “I think we have a shop nearby, I’ll be right back and please do wear something to the pool.” He said to Apollo before leaving, if he had enough time he would’ve gone to his home and changed but it was a bit of a walk to get there so instead he found some swimsuits and changed, even picking up some sunglasses along the way before returning back to the pool. “Alright, shall we swim?”

[patroclusc]

herarhearp​:

The compliment catches her by surprise. It feels like it was so long ago that she was in front of a camera not to handle a media scandal, but to create something she was loved. “Thank you. I’m happy to hear that.” It was a good thing that Hera retired when she did, allowing herself to pursuit other passions, but she missed acting from time to time. It had been a part of her life since such a young age, it was still strange to exist without it now, even ten years later.

“It’s no problem at all. It’s just that the entire world, including most of my family, only found out about this affair weeks ago, while I’ve known for months. My time in Pontius, away from Zeus, has allowed me to get used to this knowledge. Everyone else is still riding that initial shock.” It was easy to talk about this lie, because it was so closely tied to the truth. Even the timeline matched perfectly. “A moment of peace is all we need to recharge sometimes. It’s not something I would ever take for granted, because I know how difficult it can be to find one.”

-

Patroclus took a deep breath and was quiet, trying to let the information sink in, he cannot imagine what Hera is going through, only try. “Months.” He shook his head without even meaning to. “You are stronger than most people.” It all make sense, what she told him in Olympe and even now, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Hera has kept this quiet from the world. “Which is why you’re more worried about your children.” It was the conclusion to his thoughts. “There’s not much I can offer in the way of words, Hera.” 

All he can truly offer is to be a friend, whatever it was for her or the rest of her children, which Patroclus was friends with some. “But please, if there’s anything you need, even if it’s just to run away from the crowd.” It’s the least he can do when Hera seemed nothing but truthful with him so far and the situation was messy as it was.