[cell][color=2e2c2c]xxxxxx[/color][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zujy3UO.jpg[/img][/center][/cell][indent][sub][COLOR=gray][b]ACROPOLIS ► HERACLES' WINNING AT BEER PONG[/b][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=gray][b]A collab with [@metanoia] • [@KZOMBI3] • [@Danvers][/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr]
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[color=crimson]“Hah! Suck on that, posers! House wins again!”[/color]

Jackson Drake’s party had been in full bloom for close to half an hour and in that time, the number of people had nearly doubled almost to the point where it was starting to appear like a full house. Beer Pong tables were spread all around because if there was one thing Heracles knew about the company he kept, it was they cared more about getting buzzed off of warm beer touched by a golf ball than they were about any form of solid food. After all, it wasn’t a Jackson Drake party if a few dozen kegs weren’t part of the main investment.

Jackson’s fifth beer pong match was about to begin. He was up to bat. His opponent was one of his mortals that spoke to Heracles on a personal level. He was as, if not slightly more, rowdy than Heracles could be on a good day. His energy had levels that not even Hermes nor Dio could rival. The way he lit up a room when he entered could easily put Apollo to shame. But the most important thing about Trevor? He was terrible at beer pong, which made him the ideal candidate for a show-stopping shot.

[color=crimson]“And to the victor goes the spoils.”[/color] Heracles shot Trevor a sly grin. [color=crimson]“Or in this case, you better drink up, Trev. You played Russian roulette, so now you’ve got a minute to drink every drop of all nine cups or that beautiful Porsche is [b][i]mine[/i][/b]!”[/color]

[b]“You know, sometimes you can be a real ass, Jack.” [/b]

Trevor’s discontent was well received but as he consumed the putrid cocktails of warm booze, Jackson was on a high. Or rather, he was literally high. He took something about ten minutes ago -- something crafted from those wild cats over in the Egyptian Pantheon. He hadn’t the faintest idea what was in it or how nasty the effects would be, but he was feeling it. The room felt like he was in a rave as the music pounded heavily in his ears and every inch of his well-toned body felt like it was on fire -- but in the good way, not like how it felt getting blazed by Hades’ Hellfire back in the day.

As he turned back to the table, he saw a minute passed and Trevor gave up with three cups left. [color=crimson]“What a shame! Guess that makes five wins in a row.”[/color] Yeah, maybe whatever he took was starting to affect his personality. Oh well. [color=crimson]“Will nobody be able to stop me?”[/color]

It was almost too easy to spot the host standing above his subjects which he promptly destroyed once more in the game of Beer Pong. The foldable table, stacked with colorful solo cups and filled with cheap keg beer, was calling out to Comus. Stroking the embers within her chest, coaxing her true nature from her.

Shouting out above the music, and the heads of the party-goers between the two friends, she took up his challenge with a determined twinkle in her eyes. [color=#B2617F]"You're going [i]down[/i] Drake~!"[/color] there was a timbre to her voice that commanded attention to flit from one opponent to the other. Upon coming closer to her friend, and soon to be loser, she made a very wide show of presenting Hebe's presence.

Nudging the god of the people on the sternum she gestured with a nod towards the brunette sidled up beside her, in all her flower crown and tie-dye glory. [color=#B2617F]"Drake, you remember my cousin. [i]Hailey[/i] riiiiight~?"[/color]

His attention was equally divided between Coco’s usual bold bravado and her complete opposite. How she could go from proclaiming something that was unlikely to happen (especially considering the victory streak Herc was on) to making way to reintroduce him to her cousin. [sub][i]Yeah. Cousin, that’s a nice one.[/i][/sub].

 But of course, he knew her. There hasn’t been a day in this world, not before the pantheon’s descension nor in the mortal life would Heracles ever forget [i]that face[/i]. Laced with the purest beauty in all of Olympus, Hebe was the only one that Heracles could ever recall not being tainted in any sense, which considering the torture she endured at the hands of the hateful queen who sometimes pulled the mother card, that was saying a lot. Demeaning her to the role of the cupbearer, he always had a soft spot for her. And in all of the mortal years that have passed, that soft spot was as plush as a sponge cake.

[color=crimson]“Of course I remember her!”[/color] [i]Jackson[/i] flashed Hailey a smile, saving face for all of the mortals who probably shouldn’t hear anything about god names. [color=crimson]“Really dig that crown. It fits this whole hipster chic vibe you got going on. Super dope!”[/color]

At his words, Hebe peeped round from behind Comus, have been trying (and failing) at stopping her from dragging them over to the table. She wasn’t ready...she needed at least one drink first! Yet when he spoke, the goddess of youth was unable to stop the small smile that tugged at her lips, fingers coming up to delicately adjust said crown. [color=D87093]“Oh, thanks! I er, I made it myself…”[/color] She could feel her heart hammering furiously in her chest. Of course, they didn’t age but Hebe was still surprised at how [I]perfect[/I] he looked. It instantly took any intelligible words from her mouth, leaving her to nervously stammer the first thing that popped into her head.

[color=D87093]“I-I like your…shoes?”[/color] She blurted out, immediately cringing at her own stupidity. She hadn’t even looked at his shoes for gods sake. [color=D87093]“I mean, I-”[/color] Trying desperately to push back the blush that threatened to bloom on her cheeks, Hebe nervously chewed on her bottom lip as she looked for something, [I]anything[/I] else to talk about…

Oh, beer pong. Right. That’s why Coco had come over here. Walking over to the table, she picked up the winning solo cup, delicately fishing out the ping pong ball. [color=D87093]“So…you’re pretty good then?”[/color] She smiled gently as she glanced over at Herc once more, finally managing to get out a full and coherent sentence. It had been a while since she’d played but Hebe figured she still might be able to give the demigod a run for his money. Maybe. Hopefully. 

Heracles shrugged. [color=crimson]“I guess I am, yeah.”[/color] He wasn’t going to deny it. And why would he? It was clear he ruled this game and nobody could touch him. With five wins under his belt, he was feeling pretty damn invincible. [color=crimson]“You seem like you know a thing or two around the table. Or do you just want to watch as I show Coco here just how the pros do it?”[/color] He shot an arrogant grin towards Coco’s direction as if trying to get under her skin.

[color=D87093]“Oh no, I wanna play!”[/color] Hebe proclaimed, the briefest hint of a childish pout gracing her features. Nerves momentarily forgotten, the goddess was practically bouncing on her toes in her eagerness to take part. No way did she want to miss out on a game! [color=D87093]“Me and Coco can be on a team. Right?”[/color] She looked over at Coco eagerly, before grabbing her gently by the elbow and pulling her over to the other side of the table. [color=D87093]“Um...we could do girls vs. boys?”[/color]

[color=#B2617F]"YES! Great idea Hay!"[/color] The look that passed between Chaos and Man seemed to have gone unnoticed by the mortals and gods among the throng of party-goers in the immediate area. But not to them. Herc was trying to intimidate the sable headed woman, her homemade crown of flowers drooping with the fast actions being thrust upon them, and with the way his surefire cockiness soared this night [i]might[/i] have been cause for her to be wary of his party game prowess; but then that wouldn't be in Comus' nature. She [i]was[/i] party personified. [color=#B2617F][sub][i]'Well, sort of...'[/i][/sub][/color]

Coco did, however, manage to catch the silent back and forth playing between the two love birds besides her and could do nothing more than exclaim in excitement the fact that the tie-dye queens would be playing teams. [color=#B2617F]"Prepare yourself Drake for utter embarrassment."[/color] To drive the taunt home with a wink and kiss was nothing out of the usual for the frat squad and all the baseless and idiotic shenanigans they seemed to create for themselves. Though tonight, Coco was playing for something much more important than a fucking Porsche.

[color=#B2617F]"You win you get a one of a kind Coco favor; anything you want that I can provide... is yours,"[/color] the smile on her face was telling. It was an open invitation to have and get whatever the holder so chooses to request of her. A way to hold her in limbo until it was time to call upon the chaotic energy and cash in the favor. Which, honestly, she hated the idea of being at the beck and call of anyone, but this was for a good cause she keeps telling herself and waits for his answer, looking up into his face searching for the acceptance she knew would be coming.

Whether it was the confident high that he was feeling from his past wins or the fact that he didn’t think Coco or even Hailey -- no offense to her, of course -- had what it took to dethrone him, he snickered victoriously. [color=crimson]“As if I could pass up the chance to have a freebie favor owed to me. You’re on!”[/color]  He shook Coco’s hand with a grin on his face. [color=crimson]“And because I know it would be unfair for me to have a teammate, you two can gang up on poor old me!”[/color] The arrogance was climbing at an alarming rate and he wasn’t showing any signs of stopping.

Whilst the two came to their arrangement, Hebe had been quietly making her way around the table, carefully setting out new cups (because who knows where the old ones had been) and pouring in whatever type of beer Herc had chosen for the party. Her eyes twinkled with uncontained delight as she topped off the last one, hands moving to place the can alongside the rest of the empties. [color=D87093]“Done!”[/color] She announced to no-one in particular before skipping back over to her place next to Comus. Her drinks had always been significantly more…potent than most mortals, [i]and[/i] gods, were used to; and she hadn’t been able to resist the temptation of making this just that little bit more fun. It [i]was[/i] a party after all... 

Hebe's attention moved back to the others when Herc said he would play alone, a small frown darting across her face. [color=D87093]”But that doesn’t seem very fair…”[/color] Her voice trailed off at the heavy air of self-confidence radiating from the god in waves, realizing that he would have it no other way. Hebe tried to remember if he had always been like this. She supposed he probably had…though it had been a very long time since they’d last seen each other. [color=D87093]“Well…then we can at least let you go first.”[/color] The goddess concluded with a small smile, holding the ping-pong ball out to him. 

Coco tried to shush Hebe and her tender nature. There would be no [i]'going easy'[/i] or complaints of sides being imbalanced. He was a big boy, he said it was fine himself. Besides, she wanted to win. More than that, the daughter of Dionysus wanted to [i]crush[/i] the son of Zeus. Not for any other reasons besides not wanting to owe any favors to the degenerate that was Heracles [sub][i]not like she was any better[/i][/sub] but because she wanted her winnings to go towards setting them up on some dates and reignite that wild flame that had been brutally hacked down to small kindling. Hebe and Herc were made for one another, everyone knew it. Back before the Fall, and everyone within close proximity to them now knew it. It was fate, and who was Comus to fuck around with fate? [s][i]When it didn't profit her[/i][/s] [i][s]When it dealt with familial issues...[/s][/i] This was for noble and romantic reasons! Comus wouldn't do anything to take that happiness from her best friend. And Herc too, she supposes.

But that can only happen if they mop the floor with his smug face. Once Hebe has passed the small, white plastic sphere to the man she is yanking Hebe by the elbow to their side of the table. A small gathering has taken up residency around them, a lot of the mortals favoring the side of the host - as to be expected. Though the sandy-haired goddess was a model it wasn't like they were going to be as easily recognizable to the social media king. [color=#B2617F]"[i]Heebs,[/i]"[/color] the whisper came out a tad harsher than she intended, [color=#B2617F]"You [i]do[/i] remember how to play right? Because I could have sworn you were something along the lines of [i]'sorority champion'[/i] in the nineties..."[/color] a wide, all-knowing grin was set in place upon Coco's face as she watched her attire twin produce a sly and cheeky grin of her own.

[color=#B2617F]"[i]This,[/i]"[/color] she started turning back towards the table and those who were awaiting their next move, her body alight with a buzz she couldn't get from mortal consumption. No, this was a high she could only obtain from the types of situations that called to her on a more primal level. A duel between Gods, as it were. Stakes and bets were laid out before them, it was only a matter of time before the victors were crowned and Hebe and Herc would be well on their way to coming back together as the cutest couple Olympus could produce. [color=#B2617F]"This is gonna be very exciting."[/color]

[color=crimson]”That’s only if you can win!”[/color] Heracles snickered through his potentially premature grin as he approached the table. 

The table tennis ball was on his side. He picked up, rolling it between his fingers. Not only was ‘Jackson Drake’ the ruling champion at Acropolis when it came to the pong, but he had a certain flair that made every experience a memorable one. That same flare always ended with him acting a little cockier than his usual self would allow. As he took a quick look at the girls and then at the table, he aimed his shot. Arms were bent as though he were on a basketball court. He aimed for the middle cup and he squinted his eye so that only it was in view.

And then the ball launched into the air, suspending itself for a few seconds before unspecified alcohol splashed into the air, it’s mysterious contents signaling the equivalent of a swish. “And that, ladies, is how it’s done!” 

Soft brown eyes had been watching the god uncertainly, only flitting to the ball when it hit its target. [color=D87093]"Nice shot He-Jackson..."[/color] She smiled gently, quickly correcting herself as a hand moved to pick up the losing cup. Her nose scrunched up at the smell of beer, suddenly regretting making the drinks so strong. It had seemed like such a good idea a few moments ago too. But Hebe, not wanting to subject Coco to her creation, still chose to quickly down the drink herself, a small shudder running through her body at the taste. [color=D87093]"So gross..."[/color] She muttered quietly, sticking her tongue playfully out at Coco before her focus moved back to the table.

[color=D87093]“Oh, shall I go now? Erm…one second.”[/color] Pausing, Hebe took off her flower crown, placing it next to an extremely drunk mortal who looked like he would struggle to remember his own name. [color=D87093]“Would you mind looking after that for me?”[/color] She asked sweetly as her hands came up to tie her long locks into a high ponytail, either ignoring or oblivious to the fact of his heavily inebriated state. [color=D87093]“Thanks!”[/color] The goddess chirped as she picked up the ball, gaze briefly glancing over at her opponent before trailing back down to the cups. 

Taking a small breath, Hebe prepared to shoot. She didn't have the same showmanship as Herc but her body still moved with a well-practiced ease, arm rising to easily sink the ball into one of the back cups. It took her a moment to realize what had happened and when she did, the goddess jumped up excitedly, pulling Coco into a hug with a loud squeak. [color=D87093]"I did it!"[/color] 

The sable blonde returned the embrace with a quick squeeze and cheered along in tandem, [color=#B2617F]"Aiight Drake, drink up."[/color] The once smug grin that occupied her facial features for the idea of crushing the son of Zeus beneath her Hebe exploits was quickly making way to one of a more genuine enjoyment. The revelrous momentum the party was building only added to the excitement she felt coursing through her veins and she was sure she wouldn't be able to contain herself much longer.

[color=crimson]“So you did,”[/color] came Herc’s surprise in the form of a congratulatory smile. His tone was flat and full of intrigue. He wouldn’t have thought the passive Hebe he remembered from before the fall and was at the mercy of her mother,  who didn’t have so much as a backbone in her body, had acquired such a deceptive poker face in addition to having quite the keen eye. And even as he consumed the putrid-smelling cocktail that got worse with every sip, the only thing that had stopped him from puking it all up was trying to solve the mystery surrounding Hebe and his own desire to know what other secret talents she was hiding behind that smile of hers.

As he took the palm-sized ball into his hand, he knew he might want to take them a little more seriously, so he took his shot. He aimed for the cup at the front. When he released the ball from his hand, it tipped off the rim and fell into the cup. [color=crimson]“Nice!”[/color] He self-congratulated with a self-five.

[color=#B2617F]”Lucky shot,”[/color] Comus joked in good spirits, even more so now that she tasted Hebe's very own renowned inebriant. The liquid flowed like water as she threw back the plastic solo cup, emptying the contents in one go. Eyes wild and twinkling with a mirth that had been building up since the games began. A heavy and steadying sigh escaped her as she tried to focus on the cups and what the winning goal was to be. [sub][i][color=#B2617F]'Herc can't win, cause then imma hafta owe him something fuckin' dumb... do this for Heebs.'[/color][/i][/sub] Excitement lighting her skin on fire she took aim and tossed the lightweight object across the table, sinking into the center cup filled with the elixir of the gods.

A hoop and a holler a beat later and she was inciting a riotous chorus of [color=#B2617F]"Down in one, down in one, down in one!"[/color] All eyes were now on their fearless, charismatic leader and Jackson Drake was never one to back down. Coco eyed him as if daring him to not heed his loyal subjects' chanting. He wouldn't dare dream of such a thing and that is what she was counting on. A few more plays like this and Herc was bound to slip up.

[color=crimson]“You want me to do it one go?”[/color] The showman Jackson Drake looked at everyone who was chanting and they responded with a resounding ‘yeah!’. He repeated it two more times, his voice getting louder with each round. It was at the point that Heracles was starting to really show just how deep into his party-boy persona he was. He grabbed the red solo cup and didn’t even think. He sent all of its contents into the bottomless pit that was his stomach and furthered the feat by grabbing an empty beer can from the ground, crushing it with ease against the center of his forehead, and let out a deep, noisy belch. [color=crimson][b][i]”WOO! I’M FEELIN’ IT NOW!”![/i][/b][/color] His primal yell came with loud holler.

Whilst the others watched the demigod in all his glory, the look of excitement that had been etched across Hebe's face suddenly dropped away. It was instead replaced by uncertainty, eyebrows pulling together in a brief moment of confusion. Her fingers came up to play with the ends of her ponytail, nervously wrapping themselves through the brunette strands. She [I]definitely[/I] did not recall Heracles being like this. Not that there was anything wrong with it…but the goddess suddenly remembered why she had stayed away from frat parties these last few years. It was too close...too much. [I]His[/I] face suddenly swum in front of her vision, threatening to pull her back to that ever nearing precipice. 

Shaking her head, she turned to Herc, forcing herself to focus on him instead…even if she wasn’t entirely sure who he was anymore. [color=D87093]“I think it’s your go…”[/color] Her voice was barely audible over the noise as she picked up the ball, carefully tossing it over to him. 

Regardless of the adrenaline surging through her from the raucous nature around them, Comus was extremely in tune with Hebe's new switch in demeanor. As perceptive as Coco was, which wasn't very, even she caught wind that it had to have had something to do with Heracles and his display of machismo that put off the goddess of youth.

A defensive measure took root in her in the form of aggression, because there aren't many things that Comus approaches without some kind of wild abandonment. This called for a delicate touch she just didn't possess. A small, genuine smile was thrown Hebe's way, a hug and a kiss to her temple Coco pulled away to gaze into her eyes. A deadly glare was sent towards their gracious host as she downed another cup of the ambrosia liquor. With a well-placed wobble, a show of throwing her arms up and above her she played her part of 'messy white girl wasted' well. Footing slipped beneath her sending her balance off-kilter and causing Coco to knock into the beer pong table, sending plastic cups flying into the air and scattering on the floor and even atop her cousin's outfit. [color=B2617F]"Hayyy! I'm soooooo sorry, like, for real! Drake!"[/color] she had to pat herself on the back for her awfully accurate depiction of trashed mortal women.

[color=B2617F]"Here! Go get cleaned up! Drake, go with her. I'll hold down the fort for ya! Byeeee!~"[/color] Coco was adamant on getting them alone together, and hopefully with him away from the limelight he could deflate that big ego of his. For just a moment at least.[/indent][/indent][/color]