[hr][color=787b81][sup][h1]
[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7e/9a/bd/7e9abdc032cbd049ae5dbc4ce566012d.gif[/img]
[b][center][color=#295751]F[/color] [color=#537356]R[/color] [color=#7E8F5C]E[/color] [color=#A9AB62]N[/color] [color=#D3C768]E[/color] [color=#E0C164]M[/color] [color=#D09757]I[/color] [color=#BF6E4A]E[/color] [color=#AE443D]S[/color] [/center][/b][/center][/h1][/sup]
[right][sub]location: [color=#295751]T[/color][color=#416654]h[/color][color=#597657]e[/color] [color=#89965E]O[/color][color=#A1A661]l[/color][color=#B9B664]y[/color][color=#D1C667]m[/color][color=#E9D66B]p[/color][color=#DFBE63]i[/color][color=#D6A75C]c[/color] [color=#C3784E]C[/color][color=#BA6146]l[/color][color=#B0493F]u[/color][color=#A73238]b[/color]
interactions: [color=#295751]Hati[/color] | [COLOR=#e9d66b]Melinoë[/color] | [color=#9E1B31]Phobos[/color]
mentions: [color=eed873]Apollo[/color] | [color=8f99fb]Pasithea[/color] | [color=#536878]Odin[/color] | [color=#707B74]Loki[/color] [/sub][/right][/color][hr]
[color=gray]

Fuck, he was craving a cigarette. Phobos was by no means a habitual smoker however these luncheons tended to bring out the worst in him. It really was no surprise that his grandmother liked to orchestrate such events. The room reeked of manipulation & deceit, and though the god may have his own faults, he really was not in the mood. Besides, he had seen his father and Tlaz strolling towards the garden, and nothing was worth witnessing [i]that[/i] shitstorm. Generally he tried to block out the messes that Ares got himself into, which was lucky because the Greek also preferred to ignore his son. 

After that near miss he'd abandoned any hope of a smoke and quickly retreated to the bar, where he could continue his plan to get thoroughly intoxicated. Bringing the champagne to his lips, Phobos was taking a swig when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he instantly narrowed his eyes at the pair strolling towards him. [i]Hati...and Melinoë.[/i] Placing the bottle back down, the god of fear rested an elbow against the bar top, fingers supporting his head. And of course, Mel instantly had some quip that she just could not contain. 

[color=#9E1B31]"Oh don't be like that Melinoë. Jealousy doesn't suit you."[/color] Phobos drawled lazily. If it were not for the wicked glint in the gods eyes, it would be easy to mistake his words for contempt. For some reason, her father seemed to be a bit of a sore point between them. Yet her words echoed with truth. Fatigue did press down on him like a heavy weight. Fear was everlasting, inescapable, and he found that he could not resist the urge to push his limits to the edge. Simply put, he worked himself too hard. Not that he was going to tell either of them any of this. That was not how it worked. It was for this reason that he decided he was entirely too sober to be dealing with these particular [i]friends[/i]. Especially given Hati (whom he had seemingly neglected) and his mischievous tendencies. Ushering the bartender over, Phobos shot her a small, surprisingly genuine smile. 

[Color=#9E1B31]"One..."[/color] He paused, glancing at the pair appraisingly. [color=#9E1B31]"Actually, make that three shots of tequila please."[/color]

[COLOR=#e9d66b]"Mmhm, I've been told it makes things in the confines of the bedroom all that more enjoyable, wouldn't you agree, Pho?"[/color] Melinoë quipped back, the look in his eyes having not been overlooked. Though their relationship was one that was built atop a competitive content there was no denying that over the centuries [i]something else[/i] had developed as well.

Hati stood there, almost off to the side, his wolfish grin never leaving his face - only seeming to grow - at the sight of these two bantering at one another. Who would have thought Hati, the moon hater, son of Fenrir, would be here playing a twisted game of matchmaker? [color=#295751][sub][i]'I'm influenced too much by Ant~'[/i][/sub][/color] he couldn't stop the giddy thought from crossing his mind, his thought drifting to the Erote. [color=#295751]"A shot for me? Phobos you shouldn't have."[/color] Clasping a hand on Fear's shoulder, shaking him lightly as friends often do. 

Melinoë rolled her eyes at the wolf, there was definitely something going on here that she wasn't aware of and it bothered her. Especially because it seemed she was about to find herself at the wrong end of a long winded joke. She would have to remind the pair of them who it was they were fucking with should it come to that. Instead, she took the shots of clear liquid, passing Phobos his and hoarding the other two for herself. Hati pouted, reaching across to snatch it out of her grasp successfully before holding it out to his two companions offering a toast. [color=#295751]"To jealous and hate filled sex. May it change lives for the better~"[/color] and with that shot a wink towards the son of Ares.

[color=#9E1B31]"And to always basking in the sunshine."[/color] Phobos added pointedly, failing to hide the edge of annoyance in his voice. It was hard to miss anything at these events, as much as one would want to. It was why getting drunk was so preferable. Downing his own shot, he slammed it back down on the bar. Hati placed too much weight in the power of sex. He had only ever seen it as a simple exchange, a momentary and selfish pleasure. It was pointless to consider otherwise. 

Keen to move the conversation on, Phobos nodded his head towards the bartender for another round. [color=#9E1B31]"Anyway, you shouldnt be such a tease Hati, you surely must have one secret you're willing to spill. Shouldn't he Mel?"[/color] He'd unconsciously been avoiding her gaze but now his blue eyes latched onto her own as he moved to gently dig an elbow into her side.

Snickering at the notion of seeing Hati squirm she nodded, leaning into Phobos, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Spill your secrets, White Wolf. We're all ears~"[/color] It was difficult to ignore the warm presence beside her, as much as she liked to pretend he had no effect on her she was only lying to herself. What is madness without a little fear? Having always been surrounded by the other they were bound to get annoyed with each other. Though lately, Melinoë couldn't help but want to get [i]more[/i]. There was just something about how, even now, cerulean eyes as beautiful as the oceans stared at her own the color of swamp, made her feel self conscious. A tightness in her chest. A blooming sensation. Something Melinoë was not used to in anyone's company, let alone Fear's. It was different from Apollo, this company she kept with the son of war, yet she wouldn't trade it for anything. Well, maybe [i]something[/i].

A downed shot and a glare towards his friend had Hati eager for the next one, [color=#295751]"Sunshine can eat a dick, it's all about the moon baby,"[/color] firing off finger guns like they never went out of style. [color=#295751]"Teasing is all part of the fun my dear friends, you two should know that better than anyone."[/color] 

[COLOR=#e9d66b]"What—?!"[/color]

Hati cut her off before she could appropriately retaliate, [color=#295751]"And as far as secrets go, I am an open book. All my glorious moments on display, the world's a stage or some shit,"[/color] he gestured circularly, waving his empty hand around. 

Melinoë smirked into the neck of the bottle she still held, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Oh, is that so? Tell us about you and Anteros then? You two were [i]awfully[/i] close earlier,"[/color] If Hati still had fur covering his body it would have raised up at the mention of his long standing companion's name.

Phobos let out a barking laugh at the mention of the winged god, attention thoroughly diverted. [color=#9E1B31]"Anteros, really? Come on man..."[/color] He trailed off, leaning towards Hati though still maintaining his closeness with Mel. It was true that they did often butt heads but he had never felt uncomfortable around the epitome of madness. Unable to stay himself, he found his gaze raking over her face, lingering on her soft features. The corners of his lips began to pull up into what would've been a teasing smile, had he not suddenly realized what he was doing. Instead, he glared at her and grabbed his tequila.

[color=#9E1B31]"Well..."[/color] He paused, his expression suddenly replaced by one of mild amusement as his eyes moved reluctantly back to the wolf. [color=#9E1B31]"It seems they've already been frolicking in the garden-"[/color] Phobos grinned, leaning forwards to pluck a leaf off his friends shoulder, [color=#9E1B31]"I didn't realize you were such an exhibitionist Hati."[/color]

Would he retaliate in the form of a blush or stuttering it would result in far more teasing than he was already receiving. Instead he opted for a smug smile as he sipped at the shot glass in hand, [color=#295751]"You didn't? Hmm, shame really. I'm always on the lookout for great places,"[/color] Hati was a lot wiser than the two gave him credit for. He noticed, with icy eyes, how they stayed close to one another only moving away when they themselves noticed the close proximity. The small glances passing between them filled with an emotion furthest from hatred he had ever seen. And he would know what that looked like if his relationship with Odin was anything to go off of.

[color=#295751]"Besides, my dalliances are nothing compared to the stories you have to share, I'm sure,"[/color] the wolf gestured to his male friend, eyes dancing with mirth. [color=#295751]"I've heard through the grapevine that you and a certain curly haired Egyptian are getting along [i]quite swimmingly[/i]. Do tell."[/color] Stirring the pot was becoming a forte of his at this point and he was going to master it by the end of the festival.

Melinoë was content standing back and watching the small bickering taking place between the two. It amazes her how any of them could put up with Hati and his shenanigans. Always one to be on the watch for, for his personality definitely seemed to ebb and flow to match with those he surrounded himself with. And over time it seemed that his grandfather's mischievousness was the one to emerge the most. It was a bit refreshing, she wouldn't lie. However it was at the mention of Phobos potentially being romantically involved with another immortal that brought her back to the conversation. [COLOR=#e9d66b]"You and Hathor?"[/color] She couldn't stop the question from tumbling past full lips. 

Something in her seemed to shrink back just a little so that she, physically, would not. She held her spot next to him, and though she had been wanting to place a hand on his shoulder or arm, this bit of information firmly gripped her in place. Melinoë looked at her… friend? Nemesis? What exactly was he to her? Eyes searching his profile, trying to catch his gaze and read the emotions behind them. [COLOR=#e9d66b][i][sub]'It was only a fever dream. A what if.'[/sub][/i][/color]

[color=#9E1B31]"Clearly your sources are quite inept."[/color] Phobos grumbled, rolling his eyes at the absurdity of Hati's statement. Well, sort of. He couldn't deny, at least to himself, that he and Hath had been flirting earlier. Truthfully he had enjoyed it but they were just colleagues...friends. He was sure Hathor had no romantic feelings for him: she was far too smart for that. Moreover, was the awareness of Melinoë's watchful gaze and for some reason, it bothered him that she was hearing any of this. His jovial attitude shattered, replaced by a cool mask of indifference. An attempt to cover the irritation that was bubbling up inside him. If Hati had been a mortal he would not have been able to resist tapping into his fears. 

[color=#9E1B31][i]Fine, let Hati believe whatever he wanted.[/i][/color] He did not feel like playing with the grandson of Loki today. [color=#9E1B31]"But surely you must know better than to expect any less from a greek..."[/color] He smirked, [color=#9E1B31]"We really are insatiable."[/color]

Hati was keen enough to pick up on the shift of Phobos' demeanor and subtly backed off, [color=#295751]"Yeah, yeah,"[/color] He waved his hands in surrender to show no harm, his shot long drained by now and sitting on the bar top, [color=#295751]"The Greeks may be insatiable but I have yet met someone who can run with the wolves."[/color] He punctuated his salacious joke with a wink to the both of them before clasping Phobos on the shoulder, whispering in his ear [color=#295751]"Have fun,"[/color] and took off running into Pasithea as he did.

Melinoë stared after the Norseman with a scrunched nose. [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Hati doesn't know what he's missing…,"[/color] huffing lightly to herself more than anything. She was hesitant to look up at Phobos, even she felt aura around him shift and she wasn't prepared to be on the receiving end of Fear pissed off. Mel would have taken her leave as well but where was she to go when her mind was so clearly stuck on the being beside her?

Resigning herself to just [i]speak[/i] with him normally she found herself… anxious. Clearing her throat she gestured to the event around them, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"What're your, uh, plans. For after this,"[/color] and then she was taking another sip of wine from the bottle, anything to keep herself busy and not seem too desperate for company. It was a simple enough question that held genuine curiosity. Eyes looking up at him over the glass in her hands, scanning his handsome features, waiting for a response and praying it would end in pleasantries.

[color=#9E1B31]"Why do you wanna know?"[/color] Phobos shot back sharply, surprised by the sudden, and actually very polite, small talk. Instantly he realised he was being an asshole, lashing out at Mel mostly just because she was there. But the god of fear was sulking, and for good or bad, he'd never been inclined to pretend around her.

She stared at him, taken aback at being snapped at. Melinoë couldn't say she was surprised, it wasn't like them to ever have civil conversations unless there was a mutual transaction taking place. Body rigid, she bit her tongue, rolling it around, anything to keep herself from spitting venom. Instead, she breathed deeply through her nose, closing her eyes. It was a natural reaction for the both of them to lash out first so there wasn't any fault on him there. There was just something in her that constricted at the look he initially gave her. Like he couldn't be bothered to be seen with her. But he hadn't run away yet. So that was something.

Opening her eyes back up, running her empty hand through her hair and away from her face she looked up at him through long lashes and offered him a coy but sincere smile once more, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Just looks like you need a smoke, and I want the company."[/color]

Phobos sighed. It would be so easy to brush her off, to throw some meaningless insult in her direction and be left to drink alone. But Mels smile had caught him off guard. Phobos couldn't remember her ever looking at him like [i]that[/i] before. Scanning her face, he raised a single eyebrow, still wary of her true intentions. Either she was being startlingly honest or she had some mischievous plan up her sleeve. Yet either way, a cigarette and the company of madness sounded far more preferable to anything else this luncheon could offer. Running a weary hand over his face, the god nodded. [color=#9E1B31]"Sure, a smoke sounds great."[/color]

It was a lot easier than she initially thought, getting Phobos to agree to join her. Melinoë truly believed with his rigid response he was going to bite her head off. To say she was pleasantly surprised was an understatement, yet here they were, standing atop the balcony overlooking the walled garden that held Hati and his dalliance just earlier, smoke billowing about them before being carried away with the gentle breeze. Her bottle of wine nearly empty and forgotten sitting on the banister between them.

Exhaling once more before passing the coffin nail over to her idol she spoke into the silence, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"It's been quite boring this go 'round, don't you think?"[/color] Referring to the Festival. Typically there would be some kind of destruction taking place, incurring the wrath of Hera and moving the event along. But it seemed pretty tame so far and it was making the madness in her [i]itch[/i] for some type of amusement. Which brought her to her question, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Was thinking we could really liven up this place. At least, make it more enjoyable to be stuck here for the time being~"[/color] The corners of her lips turned up in a coy smile, eyes screaming of all the possibilities they could get up to and bringing the drink to her mouth before passing that as well.

Forearms leaning casually atop the bannister, Phobos tapped the top of the cigarette, the excess ash falling to decorate the prim bedding flowers below. As he turned to face her, he saw the madness churning underneath the surface, ready to play. And the invite to join was...tantalising. [color=#9E1B31]"Perhaps..."[/color] He replied coolly, his prior irritation dampened by the hits of nicotine. Phobos wasn't necessarily one to cause trouble amongst the gods but he could do with blowing off some steam. [color=#9E1B31]"What exactly are you thinking [i]Princess?[/i]"[/color] Phobos smirked before drawing the cigarette up to his lips and taking another long drag. 

Melinoë would never, ever admit what that nickname did to her. Not outloud and definitely not to him. But it made her warm and melty like ice cream left in the sun too long. Sickly sweet but oh so delicious. She was giddy at the idea of having him join in on the trouble. [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Perhaps a game. Who can induce the most fear or madness in the mortals around here. Loser caters to the winner's whims for a full day."[/color] Her gaze was locked on his face, memorizing it for what reason she didn't have one, other than just because. Electricity flowed down to her fingertips at the idea of beating him. An idol of hers growing up before the Fall. Another tidbit she wouldn't ever admit aloud to him lest she be teased about one more thing. 

[color=#9E1B31]"Easy enough."[/color] Phobos smiled, unable to cover up the flash of intensity that lit up his features. He [i]was[/i] being cocky, partly just to annoy Mel, but also because this was literally his life. Inducing fear in others was like breathing and mortals tended to always be a little bit scared, especially those who would otherwise deny it. [color=#9E1B31]"Are you sure you want to be at my beck and call for a full day? I can't promise that I'd be nice."[/color] Standing upright, Phobos moved closer to the goddess, head cocked appraisingly. Her confidence always drew him in and it took a lot to hold himself back. It was easier to mock. Unable to resist, he leaned forwards to ruffle her hair patronisingly. [color=#9E1B31]"I'll go easy on you if you like."[/color]

As much as she wanted to lean into his palm she refrained. She would win this and needed to focus on the task at hand to do so. Standing on her tiptoes she placed a hand on his shoulder to steady herself, leaning up to his ear to whisper, [COLOR=#e9d66b]"Pfft. Rougher is better, just don't be too disappointed when I win, [i]Fearsome~[/i]"[/color] With a kiss to his cheek she was off to find her first victim and hopefully secure the prize of this little bet. How bad would it be if she [i]did[/i] lose, Melinoë wondered sauntering through the halls.

His jaw twitched as Melinoë walked away, still reeling from the nickname she'd so casually given him. It struck at chords of both annoyance and discomfort, the latter of which Phobos was entirely [i]not[/i] okay with. Running fingers through his own dark hair, the god of fear let out a deep sigh before turning back to the country club. He'd never live it down if he lost and part of him was curious to see how far he could push if he did win. 

[I]You'd better watch out Princess...[/i]


[/color]