yourfirstsnow

[yourfirstsnow]

Mando's assurance was enough for Snow. The way he spoke seemed to come so easily, the blond wouldn't consider any of it a lie. Especially while Armando grappled with his own moral compass. There was no telling what their actions might stir up in such a new, fantastic world, but at least Snow's motivations were pure for now. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here.

After capturing Armando, earning a sultry grin and tempting requests, Snow leant in for another kiss. "You're full of good ideas." He teased against those soft lips. "Kissing... I can do all night." Few things matched the dopamine hit such contact provided. With an equally enthusiastic partner. Snow still had a ways to go to be even with Mando. With a pull and shrug, the blonds shirt was discarded to reveal his broad, toned physique. Decorated in more tattoos. "Among other services."

His arms returned to clutch Mando close. Full hands gripping the demigod's perfectly round rear end. He hummed softly at the feeling of their chests meeting before capturing those lips again. Teasing the mouth open for his hot tongue to trace and invade. Taking the time to explore and steal his breath in the sweet exchange, Snow wanted to leave Armando light headed. Thoughts far away from the Ark and the angst that came with this new life. "There, we're even now." Snow breathed. His hazel eyes fixated on Mando while hands finally worked to unfasten and drop his jeans.

"You'll get there, I think," Armando was doing his best to be reassuring, but in honesty, he wasn't completely sure himself. It seemed not matter how long you had been here, and been part of the team, there was always more to learn, not only about themselves but the world at large and the war that was raging for it. "I think we're the good guys. I hope we're the good guys. I've done too much shit in the past that would make me a bad guy, so I'm either rectifying that, or solidifying that."

Maybe this was all ridiculous, allowing himself to be so close and so vulnerable to a complete newcomer, or maybe it was the similarity in their age and their outlook on things that let Armando open himself up to the prospect of a friend, or something more fleeting in the moment.

Snow's hands graced his throat, and Armando tilted his head up to look at the others face, his smile remained, a little more flirtatious now, which was...unusual. The tone appeared to be set, and Armando remained in only his boxers, so, the next step seemed logical. "Tomorrow we can talk about tattoos and wars, but what I need right now? What I need is to not be the only one in any form of undress, and for you to kiss me again, like that, for the rest of the night. And I don't sleep, so I mean all night."

[yourfirstsnow]

"I'll add you to my speed dial." Snow snorted. Very aware that Ollie's request was no joke, but the tank wasn't in the market for new hardware. There had been enough change and personal sacrifice already. "Home? Nah. ... I grew up in the inner city. This place actually counts as my first trip to the tropics."

"Spots in Italy or Greece are a bit similar. 'just beautiful." The Ark would be what Snow considered a sort of paradise, but without the trials their little heaven might turn boring fast. Sharing tales of his many travels was a fall back, but the artist was more curious of Oliver's humble beginnings. "Where'd they find you, hm? Before you came here."

"Well, in case it starts growing pincers." Ollie pats the other half god on the back, "Consider me first in line." He winks playfully at Snow. The son of Freyr might not have the best qualities for engaging discussion, but he certainly hoped Snow had felt at home. Knowing only what went on along the pastures of his hometown and nothing more, Ollie would understand if life on the island was a surprise for some.

"Any of the sights remind you of home?" Ollie asks randomly, basking in the cool mist around from the waterfall. He was curious about the half gods he fought besides with. Often wondered what aspects of their previous lives followed them to the ark. Perhaps it was his inhibitions subsiding from the drink that caused this curiosity to grow. Though, of course, Ollie often did little to filter himself in front of others, for better or worse.

[yourfirstsnow]

The almost hesitant smirk on Snow's lips settled into a content one upon hearing Diego's simple reassurance. His contributions felt less small in the other demigod's presence. The success of their mission had been a great group effort. Despite the focus being on his personal pantheon. He was grateful to already have friends around. "To be honest, flies always creeped me out." Snow grumbled while hovering over Diego in the doorway. "'put that sad guy out of his mystery. Rest his soul."

Snow followed the line of Diego's gaze, admiring the night scape before them that was the definition of peaceful. Then his vision returned to the younger demigod before him. A child of the sun, if he recalled correctly. Something in common. "Anytime." Snow replied, but tried to set jokes aside since Diego was being genuine. "It is my job, but... protecting you guys is always first priority."

He did stretch slightly as Diego asked, "A bit sore, but I feel wired... ya know?" He reached for the bottle and gently drew it toward himself to inspect. The cocky grin gave away the satisfaction he felt after. "You're welcome to come inside... 'still half moved in though, so it's nothing impressive." Snow humbly admitted. "Or I could grab us glasses and we can sit out here. Under the stars."

While  Diego  wasn't  typically  the  type  to  drop  in  on  people  unannounced...  well  no,  that  was  a  lie.  He  was  the  king  of  spontaneous  visits,  but  he  didn't  typically  drop  in  on  people  he  barely  knew.  Still,  with  what  everyone  in  their  group  had  gone  through,  it  was  safe  to  say  that  they  were  bonded  in  a  way.  While  they  still  might  not  have  been  besties  by  any  means,  he  felt  a  connection  with  all  of  the  guys  who'd  gone  on  that  mission,  so  of  course  he'd  take  it  upon  himself  to  check  up  on  some  of  them.  Snow  had  been  at  the  top  of  his  list.  "No,  I'm  not  lost,"  he  smirked,  leaning  against  the  door  frame  as  he  eyed  the  blond  demigod.  He  nodded  at  the  mention  of  not  being  able  to  sleep.  "Yeah.  Thanks  to  that  Beelz  asshole,  I  can't  even  look  at  a  fly  without  getting  sketched  out,"  he  chuckled,  not  so  much  because  he  was  joking,  but  because  of  how  serious  he  was.

He  glanced  out  at  the  camp,  shrouded  in  the  darkness  of  night,  lit  only  by  the  moon  and  stars,  as  well  as  some  various  lanterns  speckled  throughout  path.  It  was  peaceful  out  there,  maybe  a  little  too  peaceful  for  his  liking,  especially  after  the  mission  they'd  just  been  on.  "Figured  you  could  use  some  company.  I  know  I  could,"  he  shrugged,  a  smile  tugging  at  the  corners  of  his  own  lips.  "Also,  I  wanted  to  say  thank  you  for  back  there.  For  putting  yourself  between  that  fucker  and  the  rest  of  us.  How  are  you  feeling?"  It  was  an  honest  question,  and  while  there  wasn't  much  Diego  could  do  to  help  him,  he  had  to  make  sure  he  was  okay.

[yourfirstsnow]

There was rumor of a new demigod joining the Ark. Specifically one from Snow's pantheon. Not that he knew very much about the lore or figures within. Sharing a spot at the bar with this new face had Snow's feelers out. As if there would be some psychic connection linking them, but there wasn't. They were just... two guys at a bar. Once the man pointed him out, Snow realized going against his better nature by playing wallflower had been a terrible choice.

"You're the son of war, right?" Well, Ares, but Snow figured it best to get right to the point. "'didn't expect you'd need any encouragement to paint some bad guys red, but I'm no recruiter..."

Kane was certain the other guy was staring at him from across the bar, not even subtly at this point, so Kane did what he always did, downed his drink, lit up a new cigarette, and intended to cause a scene.

"Now, if yer thinkin' of recruitin' me onto one of yer little quests, ye got another think comin'. An' if yer just gettin' an eyeful, keep lookin', 'cause ye ain't my type."

@yourfirstsnow

[yourfirstsnow]

An unceremonious clang disrupted Snow's train of thought. His beloved shield making contact with the other demigod's armor. Damn, he hoped that small crash wouldn't catch too much attention. He wanted to appear a bit more adept with handling his equipment by now.

"'never thought I'd find traffic on my way to the armory." Snow playfully muttered. "Guess this place is filling up... with more 'hands-on' types."

The other's concern made him chuckle. "I'm fine. 'not even a scratch. You?"

@yourfirstsnow

Getting fitted for armor wasn't entirely something that Gabriel had expected would happen, but he figured it made sense - if he was going to be a hero, he would need to have some sort of armor to protect him. Even Captain America had his signature outfit, and while it wasn't metal like his own, it was still something that helped to protect him.

Once he was fitted with his armor, though, he made his way out of the armory... Only to very nearly run into another person. "Shit, I'm sorry..." Gabriel started as he stared at the other man. "I should've paid more attention before I just... walked right out. Are you okay?"

[yourfirstsnow]

"Well... of, not from." Snow muttered while taking in the sights. The size of their local waterfall was impressive. He craned over the edge with his tall form and tried to see the bottom where a pool of water should be, but could only faintly spot the edge through this thick mist. Every spot Ollie guided him through was akin to illustrations in fantasy books the artist studied in the past.

"Ollie... are you okay?" He replied to the accusatory ask, but couldn't stifle the laugh that followed. Sobering after, Snow sighed and shook his head. Head tilted up, he admired the spillway, uncertain if he wanted to know the look Ollie must be giving him right now. "I mean... no, I come in peace... and cum normal too. Y'all are freaks, but I wont yuck your yum."

for the son of asteria || @yourfirstsnow location: fate's oasis ↦ waterfall

"A child of the stars? Would that make you an alien?" Ollie couldn't help but ponder about the fellow half god walking besides him. He had invited the other to some drinks at the Fate's Oasis before Ollie had gotten the sudden urge to walk about the island. Wouldn't be the first time the son of Freyr had let the first thought he has dictate his actions. In Ollie's defense, walking around the island did allow for the two to look at its many sights, like the mist cradled waterfall they both managed to reach. And with such a stimulating sight before them, of course, there had to be stimulating conversation to join it. "You're not going to lay eggs in us, right? Well, at least... Not unless we ask?"

[yourfirstsnow]

"Magical donut box. Good to know." He could keep playing the part of tourist--which he was, but there was no quieting the constant ebb and flow of magic surrounding Snow since his arrival. In the spiritual and now as he learned practical sense. Instead of mentioning all of this overwhelming realization, Snow shared another bite beside Riah and enjoyed the view of a quiet amphitheater.

Interesting. What was interesting to Snow was the younger demigod's word choice. "'might have packed up to leave last night, but the rest of our crew did look as confused as I was the whole time." No challenge faced was necessarily confusing, but definitely unexpected. "I guess being ball-gagged with poison apples and saving story book princesses is the norm. What did you find so interesting?"

               𝐳𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 the amphitheater had brought. he flipped to the next page and was about to start the next chapter when he heard the footsteps. looking up, he saw snow, who was new to the ark. he smiled, watching the other grab the donut. he smiled, as he took a bite of the donut and he hummed. " yea, they are nice and warm. i think they might be magical, the box i mean. keeps them nice and warm. "

riah placed his book down and turned to look at him. " how are you feeling by the way? " riah asked. " that was an interesting quest we went to. " riah had gone to plenty of them by now, and each one just gets more and more interesting. he took a bite of his donut, finishing it up the treat before going for another one.

[yourfirstsnow]

Amant's voice dripped with a unique accent that was nearly foreign to the Brooklyn native. Part of his curiosity was resolved the moment Amant mentioned NOLA. Snow wondered if getting drunk as they hoped would make his ears more receptive or entirely dumb to the cadence. Only one way to find out.

"'getting hammered off magical booze. Tomorrow's gonna suck." He laughed while touching his pockets. Gold drachmae, coins were an interesting new weight to carry. Last he counted, there should be enough to make good on this wager. He only hoped this wasn't Amant's way of robbing a new guy blind. Snow had made that mistake before on his travels, but that had been some years ago.

"You've always had... eyes like that?" At Amant's openness, Snow bit, the question at the forefront of his mind rather than mythological mind-fucks. Though perhaps the latter should be. "'almost sounds like you know him, with the way you talk. I really thought being a half-god would spare me from the inevitable. 'not that I minded the idea of moving on eventually so much before."

Amant raised his free hand as a sign of 'I come in peace'. A face of concern that quickly twisted into something more wicked. "Now see I only came here in peace to offer company...but if you wish to challenge a nola boy to a drinking contest that's your funeral, mon ami." Taking his seat with his glass on the bar and his body swung towards his company. Given the way Amant was drinking from the glass he would need a refill soon enough. "How about we start a tab? And whoever taps out pays the bill?" If they were going to make a sport of it then they needed some sort of reward, no?

It was clear Snow had something on his mind but tried to shift the conversation to pleasantries. Amant shaking his head, "Don't fret, Amant is a big boy. If you want to know about my vision or my brush with death ask away. My daddy is the death god and all." Was the strength of his will or signs of a cracked psyche that made Amant so at ease with his experienced. There was a good chance it was melding of the two. "Unless you be too shy to ask..." A challenge on his tongue as he took another drink.

[yourfirstsnow]

Snow needed some patching up after landing back at the Ark. This latest mission was more taxing on his body than mind. Oddly, he was grateful for that. They slayed the monster, saved the ghost kid and all returned in one piece. Snow couldn't ask for a better outcome, but there were the cursed rings to address. A problem best dealt with tomorrow.

Though he appeared at ease around others at camp, alone in his new lodge was where Snow felt most out of sorts. There remained some unpacking to do in order to feel at... home, but Snow was accustomed to living out of a suitcase. One foot in and the other ready to make a speedy exit. Tonight, he felt that itch to run, but the thrill of victory kept him tied. For now.

The knock gave him another reason to play the part. Thank gods, company. He'd been laying about tirelessly. Finding Diego on the other side of his door, fresh bottle of booze in hand did intrigue the artist. "'not lost, are you?" Snow muttered, smile teasing but also hopeful. "'can't sleep either? After facing the Jason knock-off."

It  seemed  the  more  time  Diego  spent  at  the  Ark,  the  crazier  things  got,  but  last  night's  mission,  the  murder  mystery  with  ghosts  and  killer  flies,  had  been  one  for  the  history  books.  While  he  wouldn't  say  he  was  traumatized  by  the  whole  ordeal,  it  certainly  left  him  more  than  a  little  jumpy.  It  truly  was  the  stuff  horror  movies  were  made  of.  Still,  despite  all  of  that,  the  one  good  thing  about  going  on  missions  with  the  other  demigods,  was  that  you  got  to  see  who  they  people  actually  were  you  living  with.  It's  not  to  say  that  he'd  been  on  all  that  many  missions  to  begin  with,  but  he'd  never  really  been  on  a  mission  with  anyone  like  Snow.  The  truly  was  there  to  protect  the  group,  the  way  he  took  those  hits,  the  way  he  directed  the  enemies  toward  himself,  just  to  protect  the  rest  of  the  group,  guys  like  Diego,  it  made  him  feel  inspired  and  intrigued.

It  hadn't  been  hard  to  find  out  where  the  son  of  Asteria  lived,  people  at  the  Ark  seemed  more  or  less  close  knit.  With  a  bottle  of  tequila  in  hand,  he  made  his  way  to  the  Asteria  house's  front  door  and  knocked.  Truth  be  told,  he  didn't  know  what  one  typically  did  for  guys  who  basically  almost  gave  their  life  for  you,  but  he  figured  a  simple  'thank  you'  and  a  handle  of  booze  was  a  good  start.  He  leaned  against  the  door  frame  as  he  waited,  taking  in  the  peaceful  night  sky.

@yourfirstsnow

[yourfirstsnow]

[yourfirstsnow]

There was no better place to socialize than a local bar. His rule like gospel held true even here at the Ark. Snow figured these warrior half-gods deserved to drink more than mortal regulars in picturesque European villages or rowdy city hubs. Yet, a familiar calm and casual energy still channeled through Fate's Oasis. No matter where Snow ended up, that sensation always felt akin to home. Like the constant stars.

"You're just my first victim." Snow joked in return while nodding at the seat beside him. "Keep it warm for the next."

Admittedly, Amant's silvery cold eyes appeared haunting, yet the star child was far more taken with the soul beyond that gaze. Through text, in that room of vines, and now here Amant seemed to be open to letting others in. Into his mind--or these terrible experiences at least.

"I did say I'd buy you a drink. What you shared in that group chat, just... damn. 'sure we can find something more pleasant to talk about." He finished sarcastically.

@yourfirstsnow Location: Fate's Oasis

Amant had entered the local bar for a few of these specialty drinks he'd heard so much about. Giving his personal bar at home a night off it would be good to get some fresh air. Finding himself more at comfort in the privacy of his own shadows these days. As he came to take a seat, knocking at the bar to grab the attention of the tender, his dark pale eyes caught sight of another party drinking alone. Seeing Snow in passing and on missions they had yet to exchange words. Other than a curiosity of visions through texts. After ordering whatever had the most rum in it he moved his glass down to take a seat beside the other. "Drinking alone? Now that's no fun. Care for someone company?"

[yourfirstsnow]

Armando's take did put Snow at ease. If these battles waged were to serve each other and the world, this one or the old, they were a far cry from the war he once knew so well. "You would know better; what this all's really about." He smirked to himself. It would take a good week to settle in and warm up to the others. For now, Mando was his first peek of what awaited out there and he wished to understand. "So we're... good guys. 'trying to protect."

Part of Snow worried that Mando might take him for some creep for making such bold statements. Even worse, find him clingy. Which he wasn't... really. Instead, Armando understood his wants and concerns. Lured in by equally restless company perhaps. A secure feeling started to wash over Snow as they stood together in Asteria's lodge. It was scary to feel seen for most people, but for Snow... there was no better feeling.

Once touched, Snow swiveled on his heel and returned all attention back to Armando. The smile he found on his pretty face now, well, warmed him right up. "That smile..." Snow marveled, finding his hands drawn to Mando's throat after. "The stars did keep me safe through some hard times." He admitted. "That's why it was kinda easy to... believe in all of this. 'you're giving me that same feeling right now.

Like I'm headed in the right direction." He drew Mando in to a gentle kiss of thanks. Nudged his nose with his own after. "What do you need?"

Humble wasn't how Armando would describe himself either, in fact the act of describing himself wasn't something he enjoyed doing at all. People were complicated, himself included, and the three-word description game barely scratched the surface of a person. His brows furrowed and his mouth pressed tight. He shook his head. "I don't like the idea. People say what's coming is a war, but it isn't. It's a necessity that we fight. War isn't a necessity." Not in Armando's eyes anyway. Death continued to weigh heavy on his heart, especially the first he committed, and his thoughts had lingered on that for a while now, especially in recent months. Xotchi...he was so adamant he'd be the one to land the killing blow, but had missed out. A blessing or a curse? Sure he'd fight along side his friends and comrades when the time came, but it worried him, worried he'd lose himself to the darkness that made up his very DNA.

A small blush came to Armando's cheeks, the flirtatious nature of the others words not at all lost on him. He didn't mind it, surprisingly, and his eyes never left Snow's form as he turned away to clear up his work station. Snow felt like an enigma, but most people that arrived here did on the first few meetings. There was something secretive about him, something vulnerable just bubbling under the surface and it was clear that he felt somewhat comfortable around Armando. He'd take that.

He stepped forwards, clothes left where they had been before, and stood next to Snow, a hand coming to rest against his broad back. "I don't mind," he said in regards to his underwear, "and I don't mind staying. I don't sleep, so if someone staying puts you at ease, I can." He looked up, offering another, genuine, smile at Snow. He'd stay. He'd be happy to. A free hand came up to brush against Snow's jaw. "What ever you need."

[yourfirstsnow]

[yourfirstsnow]

Tapestry of sculptures, II.

[yourfirstsnow]

Huddling up against a bar was a normal feeling. Snow was grateful that Armando mentioned the existence of Fate's Oasis. To drink the aches of battle away and get social. The latter being one of his favorite activities. The group chat was just a start, but so far his fellow demigods were... cool. It helped encourage him to give this all a second, third... forth chance. Sam's company gave him another reason too. Snow gently laughed, his confident grin gone crooked at the moment. The bashfulness would fade after another week. He was well practiced at adapting to new places and people.

"Immaculate. Now that's a first." The artist smirked after. Appreciative of the creative word choice. Asteria's son did keep a strict good vibes only policy, so it was ideal that others had noticed. Being known as quiet, however, was a misconception he would have to rectify tonight. "'guess I have no excuse, really. ... That Pilar guy did get here like... yesterday, right? 'n he's ready to run for mayor."

There was still evident humor in each word he spoke. He swiveled in his seat to face Sam properly. "Walking through magic mirrors. Being ball gagged with spoiled apples. Stopping a potential war between humans and sirens. 'all had me rightly speechless. ... I just focused on my job to protect. We all survived so... guess it's gone well so far." It truly was a guess. He sipped his beer.

kindred spirit ; that was how snow felt like during their time together so far. similar choices in weaponry and armor, both great with handling their shields, and even the choices they made on that boat seemed to line up with each other. but sam wanted to figure out if they would mesh just as well outside of those high pressure scenarios. sure, they might fight together well, but they would still need to live with each other at the end of the day. and how else do men bond these days other than going out for drinks at the bar ? well, that ... and fucking. amant made that clear during all the quests they had spent together so far. this would have to do for him and snow. for now, at least. he wasn't actively looking for people to fuck. more concerned about having people to trust. but he wasn't not looking either. " probably such a boring thing to ask but ... how's it going ? " a smile grew from cheek to cheek, head tilted as he focused his attention on snow. it might be boring, but it was also a loaded question in itself. after all, both of them seemed to be new arrivals. and sam didn't think anyone would easily adjust to everything unless they were a little insane. he took a swig of his beer ( gross. but it was what older people liked, right ? and for some reason, he wanted snow to like him ) and pushed his forge flame fries towards snow, eager to share. " i mean, you give great vibes. immaculate, even. but i actually don't think i heard you talk much both times we were out there. so i wanted to ask how all of this treating you. " @yourfirstsnow

[yourfirstsnow]

Favourite Quote from Each Disney Movie 9/56 - Lady and the Tramp (1955)

[yourfirstsnow]

Snow didn't think he could ever re-experience another first day on the battlefield. This quest caught him by surprise and off guard in so many ways. He held it together, but emptied his stomach the moment he was alone in Asteria's cabin. That rotting sensation and flavor still haunting. Along with the peak of adrenaline he didn't feel unless he was on the tattoo table himself. He didn't miss being a soldier and apart of war. Why was he doing this again?

Familiarizing himself with the group chat brought a touch of normalcy back that morning. More than the offering of donuts, which did encourage Snow to come out for the day. Not hide as he did those first few. He took a seat beside the familiar demigod and plucked a nice classic glaze out of the box. "Oh," He was surprised. "it's still warm."

A grin spread across his lips at that. "'must have rode that winged lion like a bat out of hell to bring these back so fresh." With that, he helped himself to the first bite. The pillowy softness and crystal crunch hit his sweet tooth just right. "Damn. That's good."

open starter + @conquerstarters location: amphitheater timeline: post fair quest

               𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐤, zachariah settled in, taking a long shower and getting comfortable. but he was still wide awake, thinking of everything that happened at the quest. he was mighty proud of himself for being able to figure out how to escape the vines and destroy them, with the help of the others in the end. so he wanted to treat them. after baking some donuts, he took the box of treats, taking a photo and sending it to the group chat.

after sending the photo he walked over to the amphitheater and he settled himself, grabbing one of the chocolate donut and reading his book, and waiting for anyone if they decided to arrive.