[color=silver][indent][indent][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/IE1PQ2q.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/KGmU0pL.png[/img]
[sub]a [@metanoia] || [@Danvers] || [@smarty0114] collab[/sub]
[/center]
[right][sub][color=7BDCB5][b]Interactions[/b][/color]: Hercules, Hebe, Hera
[color=ff4500][b]Mentions[/b][/color]: [color=e9d66b]Melinoe[/color] (via text) [@KZOMBI3]
[color=7845b8][b]Location[/b][/color]: Bus Stop → Olympic Club[/sub][/right]
[center][color=#7BDCB5]_[/color][color=#7CD9B2]_[/color][color=#7ED7AF]_[/color][color=#80D5AD]_[/color][color=#82D3AA]_[/color][color=#84D1A8]_[/color][color=#86CFA5]_[/color][color=#88CCA2]_[/color][color=#8ACAA0]_[/color][color=#8BC89D]_[/color][color=#8DC69B]_[/color][color=#8FC498]_[/color][color=#91C295]_[/color][color=#93BF93]_[/color][color=#95BD90]_[/color][color=#97BB8E]_[/color][color=#99B98B]_[/color][color=#9BB789]_[/color][color=#9CB586]_[/color][color=#9EB383]_[/color][color=#A0B081]_[/color][color=#A2AE7E]_[/color][color=#A4AC7C]_[/color][color=#A6AA79]_[/color][color=#A8A876]_[/color][color=#AAA674]_[/color][color=#ACA371]_[/color][color=#ADA16F]_[/color][color=#AF9F6C]_[/color][color=#B19D6A]_[/color][color=#B39B67]_[/color][color=#B59964]_[/color][color=#B79662]_[/color][color=#B9945F]_[/color][color=#BB925D]_[/color][color=#BC905A]_[/color][color=#BE8E57]_[/color][color=#C08C55]_[/color][color=#C28A52]_[/color][color=#C48750]_[/color][color=#C6854D]_[/color][color=#C8834A]_[/color][color=#CA8148]_[/color][color=#CC7F45]_[/color][color=#CD7D43]_[/color][color=#CF7A40]_[/color][color=#D1783E]_[/color][color=#D3763B]_[/color][color=#D57438]_[/color][color=#D77236]_[/color][color=#D97033]_[/color][color=#DB6D31]_[/color][color=#DD6B2E]_[/color][color=#DE692B]_[/color][color=#E06729]_[/color][color=#E26526]_[/color][color=#E46324]_[/color][color=#E66121]_[/color][color=#E85E1F]_[/color][color=#EA5C1C]_[/color][color=#EC5A19]_[/color][color=#EE5817]_[/color][color=#EF5614]_[/color][color=#F15412]_[/color][color=#F3510F]_[/color][color=#F54F0C]_[/color][color=#F74D0A]_[/color][color=#F94B07]_[/color][color=#FB4905]_[/color][color=#FD4702]_[/color][color=#FE4500]_[/color][color=#FD4502]_[/color][color=#FB4505]_[/color][color=#F94507]_[/color][color=#DE452C]_[/color][color=#DC452F]_[/color][color=#DA4531]_[/color][color=#D84534]_[/color][color=#D64537]_[/color][color=#D44539]_[/color][color=#C14554]_[/color][color=#BF4556]_[/color][color=#BD4559]_[/color][color=#BB455B]_[/color][color=#B9455E]_[/color][color=#B74561]_[/color][color=#B54563]_[/color][color=#B34566]_[/color][color=#B14569]_[/color][color=#AF456B]_[/color][color=#AD456E]_[/color][color=#AC4571]_[/color][color=#AA4573]_[/color][color=#A84576]_[/color][color=#A64578]_[/color][color=#A4457B]_[/color][color=#A2457E]_[/color][color=#A04580]_[/color][color=#9E4583]_[/color][color=#9C4586]_[/color][color=#9A4588]_[/color][color=#98458B]_[/color][color=#96458D]_[/color][color=#944590]_[/color][color=#924593]_[/color][color=#914595]_[/color][color=#8F4598]_[/color][color=#8D459B]_[/color][color=#8B459D]_[/color][color=#8945A0]_[/color][color=#8745A2]_[/color][color=#8545A5]_[/color][color=#8345A8]_[/color][color=#8145AA]_[/color][/center]
The goddess of youth rounded the corner onto the quiet main street, chest moving in labored breaths as she ground to a halt, and watched as her mode of transport swerved off into the distance. She’d missed the bus. The bus that only came twice a day. The bus that she’d checked the time for about a bajillion times. [color=#7BDCB5]“Fuck…”[/color] She whispered before clamping a hand over her mouth as if to try stuff the word back in. Tossing a glance over her shoulder, Hebe's hand slipped away when she realized there was no-one around to hear her. She still couldn’t swear without feeling bad about it. 

Her mother was going to murder her, or worse, decide she was completely incapable of even the most simple of tasks. Dissolving into her sorrow at being on the wrong side of Hera, Hebe strode the few short steps to the bus stop before sitting anxiously down on the not so comfortable wooden bench. Her hands moved to absentmindedly straighten out her [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e8/56/2f/e8562f8b970de95d50eb9cabf5c3f031.jpg]dress[/url], moving automatically as she had been trained to centuries ago atop Mount Olympus. It would never have done for her to look a [i]mess[/i] afterall; though the goddess had always secretly thought that sounded like the exact definition of fun.

For a few minutes she sat, chewing down on her bottom lip, before a metaphorical light bulb popped up above her. [color=#7BDCB5]“Maybe I can walk there!”[/color] She perked up, pulling her phone out of the small bag slung across her shoulder. [color=#7BDCB5]“Hm, if I set off now, then I’ll get there at…3pm.”[/color] Only a few hours late. Probably a more appropriate time for a luncheon but a far cry from being on time. But she was a goddess, an immortal goddess…whose powers were entirely unhelpful. Giving an 80 year old a spring in his step seemed very useless now. 

[color=#7BDCB5]"No, stop being silly Hebe…”[/color] The greek deity mumbled, shaking off the anticipation that was rising up inside her. She just needed to channel Hermes or, or…one of Apollos cows? Maybe? [color=#7BDCB5]“Though not with these…”[/color] She mumbled to herself, glancing down at the heels that were sitting rather uncomfortably beneath her feet. Slinging them off, Hebe held them in one hand as she began to walk, ignoring how dirty her soles were going to be by the end of this. 

[color=ff4500]“Hebe, that you?”[/color] A voice came from across the bench, parked about three feet, the engine of a red [url=https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/kgg1Y/s1/2018-ford-mustang-first-drive.jpg]2018 Ford Mustang[/url] lightly purring. 

[url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/dd/0b/2a/dd0b2a7080e9965916455a3feada37ff.jpg]Hercules[/url] wasn’t late by any means, so that’s why he took the long, scenic route to the Olympic Club but he was in no means in the best shape of his life. As per usual, especially on a weekend, Acropolis had yet another legendary rager that lasted well into the night. The Divine Protector didn’t remember [i]everything[/i], but he remembered there was a lot of alcohol, some unsavory party guests that may have challenged him to a fight, and some colorful pills or capsules. Last thing he remembered was trying to out-drink some mortals and he woke up in nothing but a pink g-string in the bathtub.

Again.

That will make the tenth time this month that he blacked out and woke up in a place that wasn’t his room or bed. No wonder he has an insane neck cramp that won’t budge. But the plus side of all of this? Taking the long way to relax as much as he can, especially since this luncheon that the worst God in all of the pantheons was hosting had the vibe of mandatory attendance, allowed him the unexpected reunion with one of his favorite people who wasn’t Dio, Apollo, or his ten-million followers.

Hebe, the one who always seemed to come back into his life when it was just right. [color=ff4500]“Oh it is you, isn’t it? What are you doing here?”[/color] He asked the Goddess of Youth.

[color=#7BDCB5]"Me?"[/color] Hebe uttered in surprise as she spun around at the sudden mention of her name. A wave of relief washed over her at the dulcet tones of the oh so familiar voice and she tried to push down the smile that tugged at her lips. The rough gravel pavement was uncomfortable against her exposed soles but she barely noticed it, steps unconsciously treading lightly as she gradually made her closer to him. [color=#7BDCB5]"Oh…I'm sorry, I was always told never to talk to strangers,"[/color] She grinned as she approached the car, aware that Herc was one of the only people she felt confident enough to tease in such a way. [color=#7BDCB5]"[I]Even[/i] instagram famous ones."[/color]

Her eyes flitted to the back of the expensive looking Mustang, noting that he was alone. It would be too presumptuous just to ask for a lift though, what if he was picking someone else up? Plus it was kinda embarrassing. She was certain that most of the other gods would be making their entries in the most glamorous and elegant of fashions. Hebe had watched the Oscars before and she was certain this annual collection of deities was even more excessive than that. 

[color=#7BDCB5]"I...missed the bus."[/color] She eventually conceded, her happy expression faltering. 

[color=ff4500]“Damn, that’s rough, buddy,”[/color] Hercules teased, letting a low chuckle out of his mouth. Their playful banter, no matter how childish it may have been at times, has always withstood the test of Father Time. [color=ff4500]“And still so long to the club.”[/color] He looked at his old friend, his blue eyes keeping a casual but still fixated glance on her. [color=ff4500]“If only you knew somebody with a fast car, who you know is good company, and generally can make you smile on a moment’s notice.”[/color] He made a thoughtful humming sound. [color=ff4500]“Maybe someone who is also pretty rich. Like a famous influencer. Know anyone like that, Hebe?”[/color]

The young goddess parodied a look of concentration, finger tapping softly against her lips. [color=#7BDCB5]"That's a tough one but...nope! Never met Cameron Dallas."[/color] Bending down to slide her heels back onto her feet, Hebe laughed lightly at her friend. [color=#7BDCB5]"Though you aren't half bad yourself...and I do have a bit of a soft spot for Mustangs."[/color]

Oh how he had missed her wit. Nobody was able to make Hercules laugh in the most genuine, authentic way like the Goddess of Youth. Maybe it was just her personality. In all the centuries that went by, nothing seemed as effortless than when he had a conversation with Hebe. Decades could go between ever being in the same area of each other and when they’d speak again or hang wherever they would, they’d pick up where they left off. That kind of connection with someone, with benefits or not, that couldn’t be faked. 

She always brightened his day and as he laughed at her comments, he couldn’t help but think about the last time they were this close to each other when it was just them. [color=ff4500]“Is that so?”[/color] Hercules half-smirked as he reached over to the passenger side, opening the door. [color=ff4500]“Hop on your horse, m’lady!”[/color] In an effort to keep up the cheese that he was no doubt known for, Hercules tipped the nonexistent hat that would follow what he just said.

Hopping into the car, Hebe grinned at her fellow god. [color=#7BDCB5]"Such a gentleman. What would I ever do without you?"[/color] She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief before pausing to look out the window, watching as the city sped by in a blur of dappled lights and hazy faces. Eventually her gaze moved back over to him, eyes flitting to meet his.

[color=ff4500]“Probably still be stranded at the bus stop,”[/color] he teased as the engine of his mighty steed revved back to the road.

[color=#7BDCB5]"Late night?"[/color] She chided gently, knowing him well enough to recognise the tell tale signs of the heros revelry. It wasn't immediately obvious, just a few subtleties that she could read from his face and body. [color=#7BDCB5]"Not that I'm saying you look bad or anything! You definitely don't!"[/color] The greek quickly added, hands moving to uneasily play with the trim of her dress. [color=#7BDCB5]"You look like...the opposite. The antithesis. The...the...you look good."[/color] She finally yielded, stopping her flustered stream before she dug herself an even deeper hole.

When Hebe pointed out the not-so-subtle lack of his usual youthful, glossy skin, at first he laughed it off with a shrug. [color=ff4500]“No more than usual. Weekends mean big parties at the crib,”[/color] he admitted. 

That was the God’s-honest-truth. Weekend meant college kids and those who still had that youthful energy like the majority of the deities that inhabited Acropolis on a regular basis needed to let off a little steam. Hercules was in a constant state of hype. It took his toll on him the next morning and he always says he might regret it, but he always rose to the challenge the very next day. It wasn’t just the Divine Protector in him, but as Zeno Megalos, who livestreams just about every party at some point, he had a brand and image to uphold. He wasn’t like most phony influencers who posted themselves near expensive shit or rented them out or just…used fake backgrounds. The life his millions of followers see in his photos and his videos and reels and even some Tik Toks he makes, that’s his [i]actual[/i] life.

[color=ff4500]“Why thank you, Hebs,”[/color] Herc said as they came to a stop at a red light. He could see the Olympic Club in the distance, but they were still about five or so driving minutes away. [color=ff4500]“Ya know, you don’t look that bad yourself, either. Ya always look good, but this dress is doing wonders for ya!”[/color] He grinned and felt his phone vibrate against the dash. Taking a moment to look at it real quick, feeling no guilt whatsoever since it was a red light.

[quote=Received][color=e9d66b][b]From: Ghost Girl[/b]
interested for damn sure. I’ll meet you at the festival, yeh?[/color][/quote]

Oh, this was the best news ever! Or was it? Melinoe was Apollo’s ex, so that was a major complication. Bros before hoes, right? But they desperately needed an actual paying housemate. Nothing against Dio. Herc loved that guy to death and beyond. Whenever he was in town, they had the sickest parties, but he didn’t pay rent because he wasn’t in town long enough for it to be fair on the God of Wine. 

[quote=Sent][color=ff5500][b]To: Ghost Girl[/b]
Hellz-to-the-yeah! We’ll catch up and talk![/color][/quote]

Herc set his phone down back on the dashboard and heard honks from behind him and saw that the light was green. [color=ff4500]“Oopsies!”[/color] He chuckled, looking at Hebe with a smile as he put the pedal to the metal. He wasn’t looking at the road as he glanced at her beautiful face and that beautiful golden hair that she was so famous for. It was a gaze that was impossible to miss and it prompted a small frown of confusion from its target, the ever naive Greek wondering, with a bit of mild alarm, what he was looking at.

[color=#7BDCB5]"Oh! Do I have something on me?"[/color] Hebe began rubbing at her face indiscriminately, trying not to focus on the fact that he was still looking at her. It thankfully did nothing more than to enhance the flush that had already spread across her cheeks, though she carried on not knowing this. [color=#7BDCB5]"Did i get it o-...watch out Herc!"[/color] She suddenly yelped in surprise as the car began to veer erratically to the right, a hand moving to tug on his shirt as the tyres drifted over to the curb at an increasingly fast rate. 

[i]bump-de-bump[/i]

Despite Hebe’s efforts and Herc’s acknowledgement that he definitely wasn’t paying attention to the road, which at this point in his life and how long he has been driving modern cars, he should know better. But it wasn’t every day that he had a smoking hot passenger riding with him. So how could he not be distracted? Still, this was completely on him As a result, the mustang crashed into the curb. A good thing, though, there weren’t any cars hit nor anyone on the sidewalk when his mustang went partially forward on it. There were honks to be sure and alarmed drivers who got startled by the sudden swerving, but nobody was hurt.

[color=ff4500]“Well that could have ended badly.”[/color] For all intents, Hercules remained an absolute GOAT in how he reacted to the almost accident he caused. [color=ff4500]“You okay, Hebs?”[/color] 

[color=#7BDCB5]"Yep."[/color] Hebe chirped as she peered out from between her fingers. [color=#7BDCB5]"I think so...are you?"[/color] Yet as she turned to check over her friend, her eyes widened in a mix of surprise and horror. There was a not so insignificant tear at the bottom of his shirt where she'd grabbed on and apparently failed to let go. A shirt he'd probably picked out precisely for this event too.

[color=#7BDCB5]"Oh no! oh no...I'm soooo sorry Herc. I can buy you a new one maybe or...well we can't really trade clothes. Though do you remember that time you wore that dress..?"[/color] She let out a small unwanted giggle at this memory, before shaking her head. [color=#7BDCB5]"Sorry...sorry, ah I bet you wish you hadn't given me a lift now,"[/color] She forced a small laugh, cursing her own silliness. Maybe one day she'd actually manage to not mess up in front of him. It had [i]only[/i] been a couple of millenia without success afterall.

Oh, well that was indeed unfortunate. Hercules glanced at his shirt. There was a big rip at the bottom. It was very noticeable, but at the same time, he kind of liked the look. Hercules typically liked to look his best at events. Yes, typically he was one to make a big fuss about minor things about his fit, yet as he looked at how distraught Hebe was about the rip and knowing full well she was blaming herself for it, he decided to take the high road. [color=ff4500]“Don’t even sweat. I think it adds some character to the fit!”[/color] He grinned, giving her a reassuring couple of taps on the shoulders. Hercules didn’t know his own strength sometimes, so it was probably a tad harsher than it should have been. [color=ff4500]“Seriously don’t worry! Hakuna Matata and all that."[/color]

When he saw there was no more as much of a worry on her face, Hercules turned his attention back to the task at hand. His front bumper was slightly damaged. He could always go his car guy later for it. A few scratches or scrapes endured during a trying battle wasn’t going to stop his mighty steed. [color=ff4500]“Now let’s hurry. We have people to see!”[/color] 

As they got back on the road and they came closer and closer to the Olympic Club, Hercules felt that familiar feeling of dread build up in his stomach. It twisted like the worst aching pain in that region he always got when the thought of being near Hera entered his mind. This was her Luncheon. It was her event and maybe part of the Divine Protector was dreading it because she never fucking liked him. Hell, him showing up with her daughter, yeah that was bound to ruffle her feathers.

And yet he smiled. Hercules smiled at that thought. Was that his inner-Zeus coming out? Did making Hera miserable or hate him even more give him some twisted form of delight. [color=ff4500][i]Yeah that’s not a good sign.[/i][/color]

Taking all but a few moments to find a parking space that was near the entrance, Hercules shut off the car. He took in a deep breath, put on that brave face and turned to Hebe. [color=ff4500]“And we are finally here!”[/color] 

[hr]

As the pair entered the club, Hebe tried not to focus on anything aside from the sound of her friend's footsteps beside her. The noise of tinkling glasses and murmured chatter was becoming ever louder as they approached the main room, bringing with it a sense of unease. Lavish events were something she'd never felt entirely comfortable with but this one was even more trying for the young goddess. The festival of life was, well, sad for her, reminding the young goddess of a role she once had and that now was lost to her forever. 

She let out a small sigh as she looked over towards Herc, amazed at his ability to still look entirely god-like, ripped shirt and all. And he didn't seem that fazed by any of this either…maybe she should try to take a leaf out of his book. No point in spending the whole time moping. 

Conveniently, she spotted the form of one blonde norse god ahead of them, and an entirely more amusing thought entered her head. [color=#7BDCB5]"Bets on who will start the first fight?"[/color]

[color=ff4500]“That’s a good question.”[/color] Looking around the room, Hercules wanted to see who all was here. He didn’t see certain people that he knew were firestarters (of sorts). Ares and his father, to be specific, weren’t around. Of course, Norse God of Thunder had a temper but, judging from how he chose the most isolated part of the club, Hercules had it in his mind that maybe he wouldn’t. Something about that golden thunder god seemed off. But Hercules wasn’t that reliable about his observations being accurate, so what did he know? [color=ff4500]“Honestly, I have no clue. None of the usual players who [i]would[/i] throw the first punch were anywhere in sight or in a state where they might.” [i]Like your mother.[/i][/color] Truly, Hercules was just grateful that she was nowhere in sight. Maybe the crisis would be averted after all.

Crisis averted? That was simply wishful thinking. 

Hera’s eyes found her daughter from across the room. If she had been a lesser woman, she might have let out a shout of rage, or smashed her glass against a table. Instead, she pursed her lips and abandoned her half empty champagne flute on a nearby table. She strode through the crowd with all the grace and authority she was known for, coming to a halt in front of the couple. 

[color=7845b8]“Hercules,”[/color] Hera said, letting the name fall from her lips in poisonous droplets. Her eyes scanned him, focusing on the torn shirt. Of course he would show up looking a mess, what else could she expect? [color=7845b8]“How nice of you to arrive, with my daughter too.”[/color] Hera’s icy tone made it very clear that it was not nice at all. [color=7845b8]“Why don’t you run along now? Hebe is important to the day’s festivities, and she doesn’t need you distracting her.”[/color]

Annnnd there she went. Typical Hera the Bitch in full working form. Not even the years of mortality (or semi-mortality in their case) softened her sharp words. [color=ff4500]“I know, right? Ran into her on my way here. Guess I’m just lucky like that,”[/color] he remarked, choosing to ignore the blatant judgy expression on Hera’s face when he caught her eyes going up and down at his outfit. [color=ff4500]“I’m actually exhausted. So I’m not in the mood to run right now. And I’m honestly pretty comfy where I’m at.”[/color] With the sole intent to anger Hera even further, because yes he knew full well she wasn’t happy that her daughter showed up with him, he grabbed her hand, squeezing it tight enough to make it noticeable. He played it off as an ‘accident’, trying to be subtle about it.

Steam was practically rising off the elder goddess’ head, as her nails dug crescent shaped indents into her hand. Her smile twitched, but did not fall. [color=7845b8]“Darling, why don’t you show your friend how we handle responsibility in this family?”[/color] Hera trained her eyes on her daughter, coming down with the full weight of maternal expectation.

[color=#7BDCB5]"Mother, I..."[/color] A mortifying blush had bloomed on the cupbearer's cheeks and despite her best efforts, it remained stubbornly in place. [color=#7BDCB5]"He...it was just a lift...i missed the bus and y'know...the polar bears..."[/color] She rambled on, looking increasingly on the verge of tears. Why couldn't they get along? And why was he holding her hand? She knew he just wanted to be friends. Pulling her smaller hand from his, Hebe couldn't bring herself to look at him as she spoke. [color=#7BDCB5]"Herc, I'm sorry. I should probably go..."[/color]

As her hand retracted from his and there was no resistance, Hercules found himself having a mixed reaction to it. It wasn’t that he blamed her or anything like that nor was he mad…Well, he was mad, but not at Hebe. He could never be mad at Hebe. He had disappointment on his face from Hebe listening to Hera and then when his eyes met Hera’s, it switched into that familiar hate he always felt for her. It stemmed from how since his birth she has always hated him and it was never his fault. She just never liked the fact that his father gave [i]her[/i] name to his son. But that didn’t give her the right to be a bitch to him for no reason, let alone dictate what her daughter did (or on occasion [i]who[/i]).

Looking at Hebe [s]and ignoring Hera[/s], Hercules shook his head. [color=ff4500]“No need to be. I’ll see you later. Gotta go find Apollo and maybe if he’s here, my father--”[/color] He made sure his eyes were looking Hera’s way when he mentioned his father. Did he know that would intentionally get under his skin? Maybe. [color=ff4500]“--it might be fun to catch up with him.”[/color] He said, giving Hebe a wave. He was, of course, lying, but Hera didn’t know that.

The Queen of the Gods flinched at the mention of her husband, narrowing her eyes as Hercules turned and walked away. [color=7845b8]“You should think harder about the company you keep,”[/color] Hera said, as she turned to face her daughter, and gently smoothed imaginary wrinkles from the shoulders of her dress.[/indent][/indent][/color]