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[b][center][color=#b38276]ᴍ ᴏ ᴅ ᴇ ʟ   ʙ ᴇ ʜ ᴀ ᴠ ɪ ᴏ ʀ[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=#b38276]ᴀᴇᴏɴ ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏ sʜᴏᴏᴛ[/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=#b38276][b][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_26BhViw28s]ᴛʜᴇᴍᴇ[/url][/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][color=BFAFB2][h3]Before Heracles' Party[/h3]
	Aphrodite sighed dreamily as she recounted the day she met the charming Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. He was oozing with so much manliness and confidence with every movement that he took, making the love goddess swoon like a damsel being offered a song by one of her suitors back in the day. She bit her bottom lip when she remembered the way the waters dripped down his muscular body, and she closed her eyes and sighed softly when she remembered how warm he was to the touch when she dried him up.

She snapped back into reality when the coordinator suddenly raised their voice when they realized one model was missing. Just as in cue, Aphrodite received a message from Comus, saying that she'll be late again and asking if Helen could keep the coordinator busy. Aphrodite smiled sweetly and approached the coordinator. She physically touched their arm and used a little bit of her power on him. Thankfully, it worked and the coordinator seemed more peaceful now more than ever. 

The coordinator ushered her back to her seat before leaving with a spring in their step. Aphrodite sighed and went back to her chair, looking at the text Comus sent her. Even to this day, the love goddess would never imagine being friends with a child of Dionysus. Their spheres of influence were nothing alike so they rarely saw each other back at Mt. Olympus, yet now they grew closer together because of the Colossus stripping them of their godliness. Aphrodite was glad to have met Comus, she was a very interesting young woman who seemed to be very smart and thoughtful for being a goddess of revelries. She also felt guilt because of what happened at the last Conclave. She didn't know if her mist had a good or bad effect on Comus but she still can't help but feel bad to those who were affected by it. She would definitely find a way to say sorry to Comus but she couldn't think of anything at the moment.

Comus had easily crossed the studio towards the Grecian love goddess, passing her her specific drink of choice, a judging look as she did so. [color=#B2617F][i]"Definitely not my preference but whatever…"[/i][/color] a laugh danced in the air before they were called to attention and were pulled in varying directions. Makeup and hair and outfits perfectly coordinated in time with the bookings and scheduling, all to perfectly showcase Venus' very expensive fashion line.

She brightened up when she saw Comus arrive with her drink. [color=papayawhip]"Hello, Coco. So lovely to see you again, my dear."[/color] She said to her, giving her a peck on her cheeks each before taking her drink. [color=papayawhip]"What? I think it's really delicious!"[/color] She replied to Comus' comment about her drink before taking a sip, groaning a bit when they were now called to attention. [color=papayawhip]"Oh well. I'll get back to you later."[/color] Aphrodite said to her drink, setting it to the side as she got ready along with the rest of the models.

The studio was thriving, bodies of half naked models traipsing atop stained concrete floors, their hair billowing behind them - some hairstyles completed, others not so much. A sigh escaped Comus at the thought of which piece of atrocious bunches of fabrics she was going to be stuffed into all for the sake of modeling. [color=#B2617F][sub][i]’Designers are fucking weird…’[/i][/sub][/color] the thought crossed her mind more than once as she sat there next to Aphrodite.

[color=#B2617F]"You seem a bit more… [i]relaxed[/i] than usual~"[/color] the coyness of her tone was easily discernible as she raked her gaze towards her fellow Greek. A hand rested under her chin as she leaned into the questioning making her stylist pout and work twice as hard in the inconvenient position. [color=#B2617F]"[i]Do[/i] anyone particularly enjoyable recently?"[/color] It wasn't like she needed to be a fly on the wall to know that the love doctor was already over and done with the passing of her late husband. The annoyance at the memory of her antics the other day still resonated within her, and she did little to cover the annoyance even now. So the light teasing was doing wonders for her take on a more passive aggressive take. She honestly couldn't be bothered with her answer, though she would be lying if she said she didn't delight in a little bit of gossip and drama.

Comus was perceptive as usual and Aphrodite can’t help but blush and giggle a bit. [color=papayawhip]”Well, I did meet up with a guy a couple of days ago. Oh, that man, that big hunk of a man. We hit it off right away but we didn’t do anything yet, which was a bummer but oh well. It just makes me more excited for the next time we meet.”[/color] Aphrodite said with a smile as she couldn’t help but bite her bottom lip again after remembering Neptune. She knew she had to feel guilty when she was already seeing another man after her husband mysteriously died but on the other hand, she didn’t feel guilty cheating on Hephaestus while he was alive either. 

Movement caught her attention, like a dog to a squirrel, though she slid a quick glance in the direction of one of the head photographers. A familiar face in this line of work. One of the few mortals that Coco enjoyed on a more strictly friend based relationship. Gods knew she had too many overly friendly relations of the mortal, and godly, variety. [color=#B2617F]"Heyyy Juju Bee!"[/color] Coco never was one for subtlety, waving her arms around in a wide obnoxious motion.

Julie was talking to one of Aeon’s designers. The rack near them was filled with the newest dresses designed by none other than Leona herself. Going over the themes and colors and looks. Aeon’s dresses always felt like they were elevated above the other fashion brands. Leona’s talent could not be overstated. The designer was rolling away the rack right when Julie heard a familiar voice call her by a nickname only one person used. She hadn’t checked with which models she’d be working. Could it be? Julie turned around and instantly broke into a sprint, rushing over to the young rebel while yelling: [b]“Coco!”[/b] She stopped near, noticing that Coley was sitting in the make-up chair. For now she’d hold the hug in so the stylist could do her work without any more inconveniences. [b]“Oh my god, I didn’t know you were modeling today! How have you been?”[/b]

The high pitched squeal that left her at the approach of the mortal woman had her disregarding the stylist completely. [color=#B2617F]"Oh! C'mere! Talia doesn't mind do you Talia?"[/color] [b][i]"Well I need to-,"[/i][/b] [color=#B2617F]"[b]See,[/b] perfectly fine!"[/color] Comus completely disregarded the woman, who in turn just rolled her eyes and set off to find a different model to work on for the time being. Comus tossed her own eye roll before hopping down and throwing her arms around the blonde. It had been far too long since the last time they were together and Coco missed having someone so naive and innocent to play with. She could only stand to pick on Kore and Hypnos for so long before everyone else - [i]Hermes[/i] - made her feel guilty. Rather, try to. It took quite a bit to get the chaos to feel something as base as guilt.

Pushing the thoughts of guilt or not guilt she returned her own dazzling smile towards the woman, answering in the only way Comus knew how - eccentrically, [color=#B2617F]"Life has not been the same without your eye for detail~,"[/color] she feigned a breathy performance, [color=#B2617F]"It's been here and there. Not enough time to spend with family but sometimes that's a good thing."[/color] The comment was offhandedly thrown about, sure, yes technically she met up with family recently, but it wasn't like they [i]hung out[/i] or anything. Other than Heebs. That thought alone brought back the giddiness in Coco.

Nonetheless the anarchist stood there nearly buzzing out of her skin with energy as she pulled away, steely greys traveling the expanse of the former model's figure, Aphrodite still ignored, [color=#B2617F]"You are looking great! Lost some more weight, have you?"[/color] Coco smirked devilishly, wiggling her brows as if to drive a point home, [color=#B2617F]"Or maybe it's just the glow of a morning after~. How is that wonderful boy toy of yours anyways,"[/color] her shamefulness knew no bounds.

When Coco threw her arms around Julie, the mortal girl mouthed [i]‘I’m sorry.’[/i] to the stylist with an apologetic face. Their job was already hard enough without models making it worse. But Coco was who she was. Fierce and independent. Somehow she managed to hold on to that rebelliousness. Julie admired that about her.

[b]“Family’s important though.”[/b] Julie said as her friend talked about not having spent enough time with the family. [b]“You never know. One day they’re here, the next they’re gone for good.”[/b] Sometimes she wished she had a family as big as Coco’s. The endless stories the model could tell about her cousins and siblings and aunts and what not. It felt amazing how so many stories could’ve occurred in just one lifetime.

[b]“Hey!”[/b] Julie said, playfully hitting Coco’s arm with her fist. [b]“I haven’t lost weight. I never had to lose weight!”[/b] Some could see what the model said as an insult, but not Julie. They were Coco’s jokes and they were always a little provocative. [b]“And Alex is not my boy toy!”[/b] She then defended with only a small smirk on her lips as hitting Coco on her arm again, only a little harder this time around. [b]“It’s the morning yoga you’re probably seeing.”[/b] And definitely not the glow of a morning after… Considering Alex hasn’t been back home for almost three days now.

In an effort to quickly turn around the subject Julie turned to the model beside her friend. One Julie had seen before, but couldn’t quite place. [b]“I’m so sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Julie and I’ll be the photographer for today.”[/b] She said with a big smile as she offered Aphrodite a hand.

Aphrodite looked at the way Comus talked to a mortal as if she seemed to be the goddess’ close friend. Seeing them so close together made the love goddess think of the past, back when gods looked at mortals like mere small gnats or toys that were easily broken. Never in a million years would Aphrodite think that mortals could live together in harmony with the gods. It was something Aphrodite still couldn’t comprehend fully even after living in the mortal world for hundreds and hundreds of years.

There’s also something about this particular mortal, as if Aphrodite could swear she knew who she was yet she couldn’t put a finger on it. She must’ve seen this woman way back when she was a child or perhaps something entirely else too. Either way, Aphrodite smiled sweetly and shook Julie’s hand. [color=papayawhip]”A pleasure to meet you, Julie. My name’s Helen and I’m so excited to be working with you.”[/color] She said happily at the woman, though the name Alex did ring a bell. Where did she last hear that name again? [color=papayawhip]”I’m very interested in knowing how the two of you meet. Perhaps after this shoot, we can all hang out in a restaurant for lunch? Don’t worry, it’ll be my treat.”[/color] Aphrodite said to the two of them with a wink.

Comus wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about Aphrodite’s generous offer of paying for lunch for the three of them. There was something behind those sparkling eyes that screamed dangerous; Coco had witnessed it enough times to know when something felt off. Having someone like Aphrodite dissect and then potentially twist the story around was not something Comus was looking forward to. She was quite aware of how some of the Firsts viewed relationships with mortals and looked down on the union as a whole - not like Aphrodite was one to talk. That was theirs to deal with. Though, she figures she should be a bit more concerned about it when the time comes. For now she smiles back and rubs Julie’s shoulder affectionately, motioning for them to get the photo shoot started.

[hr]

The shoot started and finished off great. Julie was really good in directing the models and all her photographs were amazing. She worked well with everybody and made sure the whole studio was in such a good mood. Aphrodite was very impressed on how Julie managed to make the goddess more beautiful and look sexier than she already was. Of course, Aphrodite gave it her best too. She found it really enjoyable to work with a photographer who was very professional and very talented in their craft. They were all having such a good time that they were finished before they even knew it.

After everyone was finished packing, Aphrodite did indeed invite Comus and Julie over to a French-themed restaurant not far from where they were shooting. She didn’t really have any ill-intentions in having a lunch date with the women, she just generally wanted to hang out with them. This was also Aphrodite’s way of saying sorry for Comus because of what happened at the last Conclave but of course she will have to personally apologize for it later after this. 

Nevertheless, it was a very quaint yet beautiful restaurant that gave off positive and relaxing vibes. Aphrodite waved a waiter over to give the three of them menus. [color=papayawhip]”Get whatever you want, ladies. It’s all on me today.”[/color] She said to them with a wink.

The mortal among the two goddesses pursed her lips for a second, fighting the battle that always raged in her mind when she held a menu. Her eyes looked up for a second. Darting between one of her best friends and one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. Who had just given her permission to get whatever they wanted. In her heart she just yearned for a big, juicy steak with French fries with a nice pepper sauce, but it was a pricey item so it would be rude. [b]“I’ll… just have a salad, thank you.”[/b]

The exhaustion that typically occupies Comus' being after a tiresome shoot was quickly replaced with elation as they sat at the quaint little table within the French themed eatery. Julie's mouth watering at the steaks and their delicious sauces but ordering something as boring as a salad gave the goddess an idea. As the garçon stood there, a scowl settling on their face, waiting for the revelrous Grecian to settle on and choose her meal she instead ordered for some flank steak to be placed on Julie's salad before then placing her own order of the Boudin Noir Aux Pommes with a bottle of red Bordeaux on the side. Petty shock and awe crossed the waiter's features, a mask then sliding back into place as they then turned their attention towards Aphrodite, but Coco couldn't be bothered to pay attention. A side look from Julie and she shrugged, [color=#B2617F]"She said it's on her,"[/color] no remorse or regret. Purely, wholly Comus, [color=#B2617F]"'Sides, you were eyeing the steak section like you were staring up at someone from their coc-,"[/color]

The second Julie realized her salad was replaced with a big, juicy, perfectly à point flank steak she threw her best friend a frown. She didn’t want to be rude and just order one of the most expensive meals on the menu! But her frown quickly changed into a smile and a soundless [i]‘thank you’[/i]. This was why she loved Coco so much. She did things Julie would never in her life dare to do, and it pushed her to be more adventurous as well. And luckily Coco hadn’t ordered any wine for her.

A very pointed cough and a clearing of someone's throat got Coco chuckling, entirely because of her previous train of thought, [b]"Will that be [i]all[/i] for you ladies?"[/b] Voice pitched up, nose stuffed high into the air, a strand of greased hair falling slightly out of place, most likely due to the tension in his body. Comus brought a delicate finger to her chin, feigning thought, though ultimately it was up to Aphrodite since she was the one footing the bill today. Didn't mean that she wasn't going to have some fun while they were there.

The love goddess smiled amusingly at her lovely friends and then at the waiter. [color=papayawhip]”I’ll have a Sole Meunière and a glass of 2017 Vins Auvigue Pouilly-Fuissé Solutré. I would also like to order one large plate of crinkle-cut fries as our appetizer. That is all.”[/color] She said to the waiter as he nodded. Before he could say anything, Aphrodite put her hand over his. [color=papayawhip]”Take it easy, handsome.”[/color] She said with a wink. The waiter audibly gulped and nodded. [b]”I-I will, m-ma’am. Thank… Thank you.”[/b] He stammered nervously, a bead of sweat dripping down his brow as he tripped while making his way back to the kitchen.

[color=papayawhip]”Poor guy. So uptight.”[/color] Aphrodite sighed as she watched him trip before turning her attention back to the ladies. [color=papayawhip]”I’m so happy and thankful you girls are here with me. It’s so nice to finally be able to talk to friends instead of just clients. I just feel so relaxed when I’m in good company.”[/color] She said to the both of them with a sweet smile. [color=papayawhip]”Also, and this is embarrassing, I just don’t get to have a lot of girl time now. I mean, I know some people and they’re just minutes away from me if I want to hang out with them but I feel like there’s this vast ocean between us. No matter how much I swim towards them, they just keep swimming away from me. Almost as if… They’re afraid of me.”[/color] Aphrodite finished and glanced at Comus’ direction. [color=papayawhip]”I’m sorry, I must’ve rambled on, huh? Enough about me, I want to learn how the two of you girls meet!”[/color]

With pursed lips and tongue dancing behind her teeth Coco could only send a short glare towards the love goddess in response to her comment. It wasn’t like Julie would have picked up on the subtle nuance though how could she not with the blatant jab. In any normal situation the chaotic being wouldn't allow the words to fall into the air without some sort of retaliation. However, given the present company they kept she refrained. Besides, this was supposed to be a reformative lunch date, the least she could do is be somewhat civil. She closed her eyes and sat back, arms raised in a shrug, [color=#B2617F]"Nah, don’t apologize, it has been much too long that we've been together and had a chat that wasn't model centric...”[/color] a sip from her presented wine had her pausing in reply, [color=#B2617F]"Oh, yes. Our origin story is one befitting the two of us."[/color] Comus couldn't help but shoot Julie a knowing smirk.

The words Helen spoke felt almost melancholic to Julie. To her, the woman had clearly gone through something. Something that had brought her pain. The way she told them about how others seemed to swim away from her. Well, she wouldn’t swim away from her! Even if she barely knew her, she wanted to see her happy. But Coco’s rather casual demeanor towards her fellow model’s hardships caught Julie a bit off guard. For a second she wondered if something had happened between the two. But that thought was quickly shrugged off when Helen asked about how Coco and Julie met.

The memory alone made Julie turn beet red. [b]“Well…”[/b] She tried to stall. Coco, obviously, was far more excited about the tale. Probably too excited. Julie would have to make sure the right facts were told. [b]“We already kind of knew each other back when we were both models. One night some guy-“[/b] Some asshole who couldn’t stop hitting on both of them. [b]“-invited both of us to party in one of those big clubs with bottle service. The party...was a bit dull so me and Coco just said our goodbyes.”[/b]

Comus snapped to attention, setting her glass down gingerly and eyes finding Julie's, [color=#B2617F]"Don't be so modest Juju!"[/color] it was like a whine being pulled from her as Coco picked up where she purposefully left off, "We stole a bottle of the fanciest champagne sitting on the table before bolting outta there!" The laugh that passed through wine kissed lips was mirthful at the memory, [color=#B2617F]"Truth be told that malakas deserved much worse than that… here Juju, have a glass you'll love this one,"[/color] Coco all but shoved a filled wine glass into Julie's hand.

The entire time Coco spoke Julie was looking down at her plate, red of shame. To grinning from ear to ear at the memory. She had never done that before. Then she got a glass shoved in her hand by her friend who told her she’d love it. [b]“I-I… you know I shouldn’t.”[/b] She said, making a meager attempt at refusing Coco. She was a lightweight and Coco knew that! One glass was enough for her to get a second, and maybe a third then! Before she’d know it she would be loud and clumsy and she’d have to call Alex to pick her up.

[b]“But to conclude that story-“[/b] Or rather to end it as fast as possible before Coco could blab on even more about it. [b]“-We just strolled a bit through Seattle while drinking the champagne and talking. It was a really nice night.”[/b] She said. Looking with almost pleading eyes at Coco. Hoping she would catch on and not tell the truth. She didn’t regret that night. Far from it. But Julie only just met Helen and she didn’t want to give a horrible first impression.

[color=#B2617F]"[i]Psht[/i] don't worry, I'll take you home if need be,"[/color] Coco shushed her friend's anxiety about the one drink but plowed through the story making sure to patch up the holes so blatantly ignored. [color=#B2617F]"You're forgetting the best part."[/color] Attention now placed towards Aphrodite, [color=#B2617F]"We absconded to Discovery Park, Krug Vintage Brut in hand and sat on the beach in the dark,"[/color] a wicked knowing smirk on her lips as her eyes slid back towards the mortal, a lick of her lips and she was exposing their late night dalliance for anyone who would be paying any attention to the trio.

[color=#B2617F]"I can still remember the way your lips tasted of spiced dried figs and ripe quince, truly an adventure."[/color] Her tone took on a sultry spice, not unlike that of the champagne they shared nearly five years ago. The night was chilly, biting at their skins, but it was nothing as they sat in the light of the moon in the sand passing the emerald bottle between them both. It had surprised the goddess at the time, though she should have noticed the brazen twinkle in the mortal's eyes as she gripped Coco's face between both her hands and kissed her hard. Her lips tasting like salt and spice and who was Coco to pass up the opportunity to partake in one's experimental phase?

She was soon brought out from her memories, feeling a slight kick under the table only to catch the sight of a rosy cheeked Julie.

Aphrodite stayed silent and watched the two women as they both recounted the time they first crossed paths. She smiled the whole time and even giggled at some parts. Although she could tell that wasn't the whole story, Aphrodite didn't want to pry any further. Just as Comus and Julie were finished with their story, the waiters came along with their food. The aroma of their freshly-cooked meals wafted from their table. The waiters put everyone's order on their side of the table, including the wine they ordered, and they even apologized about serving the appetizer at the same time as the main course because there's been a problem at the kitchen. Aphrodite smiled sweetly at them to tell them it wasn't a big deal before they wished them to enjoy their meal and left. [color=papayawhip]"That was equal parts exciting and wonderful, ladies. Quite the journey you both got into too. Now, let's all enjoy ourselves with our lovely food!"[/color]

Aphrodite raised her glass to the two ladies. [color=papayawhip]"A toast. For old friends and new. For new beginnings and a flourishing life for all of us. Cheers!"[/color] She cheerfully said, glancing at Comus especially with a warm smile on her face.

A glance that did not go unnoticed by the only mortal at the table. Julie, once again, felt like there was an odd relationship between Coco and Helen. Perhaps Helen was her mentor in the modeling business? Still, beaming a bright smile at both old and new friends, Julie raised her own glass to join the toast. [b]“To old friends and new ones!”[/b] She said while clinking her glass as she gingerly sipped the wine. Coco was right! She totally loved the wine!

There was something stirring within her at the entire theatrics of the midday get together. Julie being present offered Comus a well appreciated distraction from it all but it wasn't like she could completely disregard everything that's happened within the last few days. This is not the time it seems to bring up an issue that would darken the mood. Instead, Coco grabs her wine glass and toasted with the rest of them, trying her hardest to flash a warm smile towards Aphrodite. An unspoken agreement passing between them, a notion to be civil and leave previous offenses where they belong.

[color=#B2617F]"To old friends and new, the ones we have and the ones we've lost and the ones we make along the way. [i]Stin ygeiá sas![/i]"[/color][hr]
[right][sub] collab with: [@baraquiel] [@Legion02] [/sub][/right]
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