[hr][color=5e74ee][sup][h1] [center][img]https://media1.tenor.com/images/32c06d1f3feefa9ba1ef9709b62a60ea/tenor.gif?itemid=5497591[/img][/center] [b][center][color=5e74ee]THE[/color] [color=458a88]HONEY[/color] [color=5e74ee]TRAP[/color][/center][/b] [/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=5e74ee][I]POSEIDON’S APARTMENT[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=5e74ee][b]ARTEMIS[/b][/color] & [color=458a88][b]POSEIDON[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr] [color=gray][indent][indent] [right][sub]a [@smarty0114] & [@gothelk] collab[/sub][/right] Artemis climbed the stairs of Poseidon’s apartment building with her usual cool and collected confidence. Thalia had sent her the address, and her driver was waiting outside. With Pan, she’d had an inkling of what to expect, but this meeting was shrouded in mystery. She hadn’t spoken with her uncle since before The Fall. Who knew what the centuries had done to the god she’d once known? If the Conclave was anything to go on, they had not been kind. Still, this uncertainty didn’t shake her. She was a huntress, cautious and always prepared. She hoped Poseidon had simply been tricked. Tricked was better than falling head over heels for a Roman. An idiot in love couldn’t be reasoned with. Sooner or later, they’d become a liability, and she couldn’t have those. She refused. She’d left her bag in the car. For this meeting, she carried only a bottle of wine, a vintage that Apollo had given her on her birthday years ago. She didn’t trust his taste in wines at all, but he’d insisted that Dionysus had picked it out, and if anyone knew wine it was him. It was intended as a gift, a very belated housewarming present, though Artemis never gave gifts without motive. Gifts softened people to you. Surprise gifts often made people feel as if they were on uneven ground, like they owed their gift giver a favor in return. Artemis could only hope her uncle had taken on such mortal thoughts. Masking her face with her famously soft smile, Artemis strutted down the halls until she found the apartment number Thalia had given her. She knocked, three loud raps against the hard wood of the door, and waited for it to open. Nerves always tickled at his stomach at the prospect of seeing him again. Oh, mortal-hood did a number on him in the lovesick department. Of course, he wasn’t supposed to catch feelings so he quickly shoved that trickle of emotion down with a deep breath at his doorway. Only for that deep breath to be interrupted by a hard knock. Poseidon jolted, eyes wide as he looked down at the text message. He couldn’t have been just outside his door could he? No, the man was busy. He didn’t have time for… The door opened cautiously with an eye peering out to see a young woman poised in front. Poseidon’s breath caught in his throat. [color=#458a88]”Ah-Arty—”[/color] Poseidon said, then shook his head as he cut himself off and opened the door fully, [color=#458a88]”Artemis?[/color] A surprise certainly, mainly because last he’d seen of Artemis he was certain they weren’t on good terms. Maybe that was his own mind playing upon his guilt and fear. It’d been so long ago that he wasn’t exactly sure what Artemis thought of him now. That didn’t erase the pinched expression on his face and the slight folding in upon himself in the shame that was about to come to him. She didn’t look upset, but to assume of Artemis was often a death wish. [color=5e74ee]“Surprised?”[/color] Artemis said, though the answer was clear. She didn’t wait for an invitation, slipping past Poseidon and across the threshold of his home. She spun in a small, graceful circle taking in the room and it’s assorted fish tanks. It was hardly in line with the Poseidon she’d once known, full of pride and arrogance and wrath. However, it matched the man she’d seen the other day pretty perfectly. Her uncle had clearly not been thriving in his mortaldom. [color=5e74ee]“I figured after your surprise appearance Thursday, that it might be nice to stop by. Nice work convincing everyone you were dead though, that almost had me fooled,”[/color] she said, smirking. She held the bottle of wine out for him to take, gripping it by the neck. [color=5e74ee]“For you.”[/color] With the bottle passed off, Artemis strolled up to one of the fish tanks, bending over until she was eye level with the friends of Poseidon that swam around inside. [color=5e74ee]“You’re dressed up. Off to meet someone?”[/color] Artemis asked, still gazing into the tank. Poseidon barely had time to invite his niece inside before he stepped out of her path. Well, Augustus hadn’t replied, yet, so he supposed he had time to kill. A flush tinged on his cheeks as Artemis spoke, hands gripped around the wine bottle. [color=#458a88]”Oh, this isn’t really necessary,”[/color] he said, staring down at the gift. He didn’t deserve gifts, was what came to mind as his hands twisted around the bottle. [color=#458a88]”Thank you, though, I suppose. For the wine, not the, uh, well I—”[/color] Poseidon stammered on, looking anywhere but Artemis as he shut the door and set the wine on his counter. Shame still gripped him by the neck, threatening to tear the lump in his throat out. It probably looked obvious in his expression, but Poseidon willed that thought away. A rush took him to one of his chairs, piled with envelopes that he set atop one of the fish tanks. [color=#458a88]”Please, uh, take a seat. I was just waiting for a, um, ‘friend’ to have lunch with but he hasn’t replied, yet. I have time. D-do you want water? A snack… um,”[/color] Poseidon fumbled over his words, nearly over his own two feet attempting to provide any comforts Artemis wished. Poseidon’s nerves seemed to be wafting off of him at this point. She couldn’t remember seeing him like this, not in all their time as gods. A piece of her took a simple sort of pleasure from seeing the Mighty Earthshaker tremble. Another piece of her still saw him as family, at least until he’d proven himself completely against her. The man before her was not the one she’d once known, but perhaps that was better. Perhaps, she could push him towards something greater, more important than whatever games he’d played before. The moon had always held a peculiar grasp over the sea, after all. [color=5e74ee]“I prefer to catch my meals, but I appreciate the offer,”[/color] Artemis said. Her voice betrayed none of the thoughts that raced through her head. She was marble, cold and unreadable to all but the most expert of sculptors. Slowly and with a litheness afforded to only the most graceful souls, she stood straight and made her way to take a seat on the couch, leaning confidently against the armrest. [color=5e74ee]“If you’re waiting for me to castrate you over some centuries old disagreement, you can relax. If I’m right, you’re a different idiot than the one who fell to earth. An idiot who’s hopefully learned a few lessons. Like why we don’t turn women into monsters, perhaps?”[/color] That bit hard into Poseidon’s heart. Again, he’d nearly tripped on his own two feet as he looked up at Artemis. Her expression gave nothing, not even the tone of her voice, but Poseidon was never apt at reading people. No hammer and chisel would fit his hands to take down any kind of wall. [color=#458a88]”That’s not what I’d call myself. Though, my therapist says I shouldn’t be so cruel on myself,”[/color] Poseidon said. He scratched the back of his head and sat upon his collection of mail on the coffee table, hands gripping the wood beneath him. [color=#458a88]”I’ve learned that lesson. But, sometimes,”[/color] he looked down toward his feet, shuffling them against the carpet, [color=#458a88]”I think I got off easy. That I deserve…”[/color] He let himself trail off as he looked away from Artemis. He winced, a hand coming up to grasp his left arm as it seized. He tightened it into a fist at the sudden reminder, stared at it for a moment then looked up to catch Artemis’ eyes. [color=#458a88]”Are you really just here to catch up with me?”[/color] he asked, hoping she’d just say yes and spare him the rejection. Artemis’ eyes fell onto the hand, scarred by the Colossus’ magic. She’d seen the same injuries on others before, Apollo even bore some, though much less serious. Curious. [color=5e74ee]“You’re hardly the only one with penances to pay.”[/color] Artemis sighed, hoping she wasn’t about to shatter the clearly fragile god of the sea. [color=5e74ee]“If only our lives were simple enough for catching up. I think first, we need to talk about your ‘friend,’”[/color] Artemis said, punctuating her sentence with air quotes. [color=5e74ee]“Do you know who he is?”[/color] Artemis asked. Her eyes scanned Poseidon’s face, awaiting a reaction that would answer her question. Poseidon followed her gaze down, pursing his lips slightly. She spoke the truth and his self-pity seemed that much less important now. [color=#458a88]”You’re right. Uh, but what about my,”[/color] Poseidon coughed and avoided Artemis’ gaze, [color=#458a88]”friend. He’s nothing special. Well, he is, but… no, I mean. Hoo.”[/color] Poseidon’s eyes widened. Great God of the Sea, bringer of waves that tore down civilizations and earthquakes that break the world was on the verge of making a fool of himself. [color=#458a88]”I mean, he’s a CEO, but it’s just a fling. I think. I… maybe? It’s just comfort, you know. I mean, he’s just a guy. Why would you come see me about him?”[/color] Poseidon asked, tilting his head. The gears in his head turned for a moment, wondering at Artemis’ logic. Then it clicked. [color=#458a88]”Oh, gods, are you saying he’s connected to what happened with… with, uh…? No, no. Artemis. Artemis?”[/color] Artemis smirked. So he had enough intuition to guess that much. Maybe there was something to salvage here. [color=5e74ee]“All I know is that said CEO once went by a name that should ring a bell.”[/color] She leaned forward, relishing the tension that built up in the silence. She was a huntress, first and foremost, and there was a certain thrill that came with every chase, both physical and metaphorical. [color=5e74ee]“Jupiter.”[/color] She cocked an eyebrow, allowing the shock to sink in before she continued. [color=5e74ee]“I don’t have anything to connect the Romans to Hephaestus yet, but don’t you think it’s odd that they suddenly reappear just as we’re learning of his death?”[/color] Cold washed over him like the moon had sunk to the sea and the tide rose to engulf him. Poseidon’s brows knitted together as he sat there, lips pushed up in contemplation. It sank in until he slowly looked at Artemis to reveal how her arrow pierced his skin. [color=#458a88]”Jupiter?”[/color] He repeated, soft like the word would break the ice and plunge him. Were this millennia ago, Poseidon would have taken to the sea with war on his heart and vengeance on his mind. This, however, shook him differently. The cracks he’d received in the fall and the years following broke that mold until he became glassy ice instead of roiling thunder against the waves. [color=#458a88]”Why would they reveal themselves if now, though?”[/color] Poseidon looked to her, trying to piece what he could together, [color=#458a88]”What would they gain from Hephaestus' death? What would any of us gain? What… would he…”[/color] Poseidon frowned, shuffling his feet against his carpet again. [color=#458a88]”What were you hoping in telling me this? That I’d rise like I did before? Give them war?”[/color] Poseidon asked her, sincerely without any upset in his voice outside of the news that broke him, [color=#458a88]”I’m not that person anymore, Arty—Artemis. I’m just a fool and an idiot, like you said. You’re better off using Ares for whatever you have up your sleeve.”[/color] [color=5e74ee]“If I wanted a dog, I’d go to the pound,”[/color] Artemis said. It was good to see that he was thinking. She had no desire to work with someone who’s passions rose and fell with the tides. [color=5e74ee]“As it stands, you’re in the best position to get answers to all of those questions. Get close and use him, find out what they know. And then, bring it back to me.”[/color] For the first time since she’d stepped into the apartment, Artemis bared her teeth into a smile, as if she meant to highlight the implied ease of this task. Her girls did jobs like this all the time, and they were simply mortals. Use him? Poseidon stared at Artemis for a moment. Well, that was definitely not the first thing he expected Artemis to ask of him. That alone took more to process than the entire Jupiter thing, if Poseidon was being honest with himself. [color=#458a88]”You want me to… to honey trap the Roman king of gods?”[/color] Poseidon continued to stare at Artemis in disbelief, [color=#458a88]”You sure you want [i]me[/i] to do that? You have faith I can do that for you without, you know, having them trace it all back to you?”[/color] Whether that smile was meant to comfort him or not, Poseidon only saw a panther baring her fangs. Was Artemis always this chillingly frightening? That was a dumb question. Yes. Yes she was. [color=5e74ee]“This might come as a surprise, but yes, I do.”[/color] Artemis fixed Poseidon with her icy gaze, her best effort at conveying her dedication to this plan. [color=5e74ee]“And if you fail to keep my involvement a secret, I’m confident that I have adequate protection from his wrath.”[/color] Artemis didn’t elaborate further on that protection, choosing instead to focus on winning Poseidon over. [color=5e74ee]“You can do it, because I need you to, and you’ve always come through for family.”[/color] Strictly speaking, that wasn’t entirely true, but Arty figured a little embezzlement couldn’t hurt her here. That couldn’t be true. Poseidon furrowed his brows in contemplation. But, that didn’t mean it couldn’t be true now. At least for Artemis, the others maybe not so much depending on who was doing the asking. But, Poseidon would be lying if he said he wasn’t a sucker for Arty and Apollo, or even Hermes. Poseidon took a breath, let the wave crash in to soak into the sand before it released back to the sea at the mercy of the moon. [color=#458a88]”Fine, I’ll do what I can. I just… I don’t have faith in myself, but I’ll do my best not to fail you, Artemis,”[/color] Poseidon said, finally. That saying ‘between a rock and a hard place’ didn’t account for the many different rocks Poseidon found himself in. Whether he wanted to do Artemis’ bidding or not, Poseidon needed his own answers and in getting those answers he could at least protect others he cared about. [color=5e74ee]“Thank you, Poseidon. I really do believe in you”[/color] Artemis said, that same predator’s smile on her face as she rose from the couch. Whatever he believed about himself, she was confident that she had not misplaced her trust. She slipped a business card for Selena O’Ryan from her pocket and handed it to her uncle. [color=5e74ee]“For when you need to get in touch. You should get in touch with Apollo and Hermes and their merry band of ‘bros.’ I think that would be good for all of you, to be completely honest.”[/color] With those somewhat critical words of wisdom said, Artemis left as quickly as she’d arrived, a pale wisp in the wind. At least someone believed in him. Out of all the bombshells that rained down on his little Seattle apartment, at least a flower grew in its midst. Poseidon slid the business card into his wallet before looking up to bid Artemis farewell. He only heard the click of the door, however, and he was yet again alone with his thoughts, his doubts, and his mounting anxiety. Poseidon’s brows slid into a thin line while he stared at his doorway. Why’d he have to come out of hiding again? Loneliness had to be a better companion than this complex mess of terror overlaid with the antics of his ever raucous family. He had a number of things to talk about with a growing number of people and he just… just didn’t want to. But, he supposed, Artemis counted on him and he himself did want those answers if only to clear the air.[/indent][/indent][/color] [hr] [right][sub][color=gray]mentions: [@fledermaus][/color][/sub][/right]