Member
Bad Mint
Sadie
Damo021
YoshiSkittlez
Altered Tundra
Logan Murdock and Ky' vie Morgan
Part One ~ Ky's Garage and The Beach ~ Camp Half-Blood
Logan slowly walked around the lake's edge, picking up a flat stone and palming it. Looking up, he suddenly felt a wave of irrational anger. He threw the stone, seeing it skip nearly half the lake's distance, before it succumbed to its own weight. He just couldn't believe that someone wouldn't feel at least a modicum of sorrow at the passing of their sibling. Even a stranger might have felt more than Colt! He wondered if the child of Venus knew what compassion and love truly meant. It seemed unlikely. He looked up to the sky, wondering how the Goddess of Love could let a child such as that stalk this land with such an unemotional state of being. How could the guy truly attune to his abilities without such intimate knowledge? The blonde's actions and reactions seemed paradoxical to his origins...
Releasing a deep sigh, the young man looked around the area, spotting one building Erin and Syleste seemed to have neglected to show or explain to him. He heard the sound of power tools and metal and was intrigued. Leaves and twigs crunching underfoot, Logan approached the building and peered inside. It was a familiar mane of red hair, but the back of Ky' vie's head. He knocked loudly, announcing his presence as he entered her domain.
She hadn't been back in the camp for more than a few hours, but then the familiar call of her garage (as always) was far too strong for her to deny- she had work to get done; orders that she needed to fill... and now more importantly, she had transportation to get together for the following day's events. There was no way that she was going to be able to get any of it done if she just chose to lounge about in her cabin, watching one of her many movies on the flat screen, and waiting for time to pass by until they were ready to leave- but just because she had serious and pressing thoughts filling her mind, it didn't mean that she wasn't going to be having any fun; that's what the nights party was for... it was one of her favorite ways for her to sit back and relax with those that she loved.
Entertaining; celebrating. Once again, she would be the one cooking; not only going out of her way to give the kitchens a break, but also giving Arianna the chance to do what she did best. Entertain a crowd, and party. Lifting her hand up from the cylinder that she had been replacing in the engine block of one of the two bikes she had been working on, she brought it up to rub lightly back and forth against her forehead, the grease and oil that stained her finger tips smudging against her flesh before eventually, she slid them back into her bright apple red locks, pushing them back and off her face so that she could properly see what it was she had to do- though it didn't seem to matter; the long tresses automatically dropping back into their usual place, causing her to groan slightly in her frustration.
The only thing that really ever got on her nerves while she was trying to concentrate on her job... her hair was long; she rarely ever cut it anymore, though it wasn't as though she didn't want to. The last time she had gotten a 'trim', the Aphrodite girls had instead cut it so short that she couldn't even tie it up, claiming it to be the new style before trying to shove her into one of their many closets for the dreaded finally- it didn't matter what anyone said about the situation; makeovers were never fun..! Standing herself up straight once she was sure that the part wasn't going to be falling from its place any time soon, she scooped her hair back over her shoulders, gathering it up within the palms of her hands before tying it up into a long though rather high ponytail so that it could be out the way. Now she could think... and now she could work. Leaning back over the engine block, she let her metallic silvery-blue eyes flick about the tools scattered around in front of her, taking a few moments before she finally reached out and picked up the one that she needed; her face scrunching up slightly in her concentration as the sound of metal against metal filled the garage once more, though this time interrupted by the confident sound of knocking from somewhere behind her.
"..yeah, just come in- did you bring me those blades you annihilated Gideon..?" Not even bothering to look back over her shoulder to see who it was that was there, Ky continued to work on what was right in front of her, the muscles within her arm tensing and relaxing in turn with each time she worked the spanner, tightening the part into the place- she didn't need to look to know that it was going to be one of two people... she rarely got any visitors within her garage without being asked first, and if it was unexpected, it was (nine times out of ten) Grif or Gideon; both of them having their reasons, but usually hanging around just for the sake of being with friends.
Logan let his rucksack slip from his shoulder to clatter onto the floor. The straps had just started to dig into the corded muscles of his shoulders, the weight making what little padding it had left useless. He windmilled his arm, right then left respectively to ease the tension and throbbing that had settled into his muscles. So this was Ky' vie's garage... Slowly, he made a circuit, staying out of peripheral vision. He avoided making it known that he wasn't Gideon just yet. Knowing something she didn't gave him a sense of whimsical giddiness, as if he was a child once again playing in the department store, hiding in racks of clothing. His grin was wide and boyish as his fingers skimmed her work benches, carts, and spare parts. He didn't care about the crude oil that stained his fingers, having known much worse.
Finally, he'd made it back to rucksack, Ky' vie still none the wiser. His sword belt soon followed his bag in a comfortable heap on the floor. Logan had no knowledge of mechanical gears and bits and whatever else that went into building something and giving that something life. He'd always been a bit envious of Vulcan's children for this gift. Being a son of Jupiter, all he'd known was battle, strife, and suffering and it was a bitter legacy to swallow. He watched in fascination as she tied up her hair and still had not realized she wasn't one of her friends. In Camp Jupiter such a relaxed attitude meant you had lost your edge. Logan didn't want to lose that and become soft here, but after seeing the beautiful camp and sheer amount of goodwill flowing through this place, it was hard not to see how such a life was enticing. Seductive, even.
He'd had enough of this game, however, grabbing a fresh white hand-towel. He wiped the minimal grease he collected touching her various tools. He hadn't moved any, knowing how these tech types liked their tools right where they'd left them. He leaned against a nearby tarped something, most likely a car, and held out the rag over her right shoulder. Clearing his throat, he finally spoke. "Sorry, but I'm not Gideon. You met me earlier on the hill, I'm Logan, Logan Murdock. I don't mean to interrupt, I was just curious as to what was here. I'm just getting to know the lay of the land." His tone was confident and positive as always. It always seem to say that all was right in the world, or Logan's world, and you were welcome to join.
The very moment that she heard the words slip out through his lips, she turned her head ever so slightly so that she could glance over her shoulder at him, her metallic silvery-blue orbs seeming to fixate on him for a few moments as she regarded what it was that he had to say to her before eventually, she turned her attention away from him altogether; a small but rather amused smile playing over her soft pink lips as she reached up to take the cloth he was offering to her, being sure to let the spanner drop back to the ground before she stood back up straight, doing what she could to rid her hands of the grime that had accumulated on them since she had gotten back to camp, "Ah... the new camper in town; I remember you. I almost ran you over earlier- really sorry about that by the way; had to stop pretty quickly, I wasn't exactly expecting so many demigods to be standing around on the hill gossiping like it was a mothers club meeting..."
Tilting her head ever so slightly to the side as she didn't bother to hide the fact that she was looking him up and down, she leant herself back and against the bike, sitting lightly against the edge of the seat for a few moments of comfortable silence before she spoke up again, her Australian accent still strong after so many years of living within the camp, but not so thick that people weren't able to understand what it was that she was saying to them- it had taken a while for her to get the perfect mix; her friends long gone often extremely lost during conversation when she had first arrived, "Oh, and you're not interrupting anything- just trying to catch up on work; got custom jobs I gotta get done, and going out on quests doesn't help make the load any smaller now, does it? But I'm always willing to free up my time for those who want it..."
Flinging the now dirty cloth over her shoulder, she brought both of her arms up before folding them over her chest, her smile never once leaving her lips as she lifted her gaze to meet with his own once again, "So tell me Logan... Logan Murdock... how can I help you..? Or are you happy there just leaning back against my baby..?"
"I don't think we would've been standing there, but it seemed everyone was either waiting for you or trying to see the new kid. Guess we're too popular for our own good, eh?" Logan asked rhetorically, broadly grinning. "Don't worry about it though, I'd have just caught you." Logan was perfectly aware that he'd claimed to be able to stop a motorcycle, but he figured a demigod wouldn't need to explain himself, or herself, in the presence of another. He almost blushed when she took a long look at his body. It didn't seem particularly sexual, but it wasn't a shy look either. Logan crossed one of his legs over the other from where leaned.
When she grew silent, he'd wondered if this was a cue to leave, but she started up again assuring him that he wasn't bothering her at too crucial a time. "I really wouldn't know about that." He held up his hands of a warrior, nary a single callous made by work with a respectable tool. "Quests had been my load. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me."
His reaction was priceless as he jumped away from the tarped object, "There's a baby under there?! We- Oh. You mean the car." Logan chuckled at his own foolishness, slapping a hand to his forehead. He started laughing harder and harder, till he was near tears until finally reigning in the almost incurable giggles. Slowly he took shallow breaths as the laughter left his system like a quick acting stomach bug. He wiped his eyes, which had begun to water. "I didn't hurt it at all? Did I?"
She couldn't stop herself- but at least she had tried... Lifting her hand up to cover her mouth the very moment that she had caught sight of his reaction, she did all that she could to try and stifle the laughter that fell from her lips; her eyes crinkling happily in the corners as she continued to watch what was unfolding before her. He was making a complete and utter fool of himself in front of her; but she didn't care, it was the first time in days that she was able to laugh about something... really laugh about something; and it just felt so good, just so natural- even with someone she had only just met. Taking a few moments to settle down and regain her composure once more, she shook her head lightly from side to side, the smile gracing her lips and lighting up her features never once seeming to fade as she pushed away from the bike, her arms swinging lazily at her side as she moved across the garage until she was standing at his side; her eyes lingering upon the tarp in question for what felt like forever before she leant forward, her palms pressing against it and her fingers curling lightly as she took a hold of the materiel.
"..well... there really is only one way to find out whether you hurt her or not..." The fluttering of the tarp was loud, filling the garage around them before it fell silent once again, the tarp itself settling down on the ground leaving in it's wake a pristine and well-kept black '67 Chevy Impala- the very sight of it causing her smile to grow even further over her face. It was her baby... her pride and joy; the car that she had always dreamed of owning, and at the end of it all, she had bought every single part one by one and assembled it on her own right there in the camp. It was the only thing that had kept her mind from wandering back then... kept her from thinking about him. By the Gods she was pathetic.
"You know; I think you might be off the hook this time- she looks alright to me." Chuckling softly to herself as she straightened herself up, she turned her head to glance at him before her arms raised from her sides, folding over her chest for the second time since he had come to join her in the garage.
He would've blushed, if not for realizing that Ky' vie was indeed laughing with him. That on its own convinced him that she was good people, otherwise she might have landed in a cheap shot of a joke at his expense. Logan admitted, quietly, to himself that that had not been his finest moment, but at least a good memory. Those had been in short supply as of late and were highly welcomed. He wore a more relaxed grin that didn't pull at his eyes as before, but had settled into a comfortable smirk. He dramatically wiped at his brow for imaginary sweat. "Phew, I know how you children of Vul-Hephaestus are with your personal toys. I'd hate to have you kill me over scratching your baby."
Almost afraid, Logan gently ran the back of his fingers over the shiny black paint, so as not to smudge Ky' vie's immaculate polish. "It really is beautiful... did you restore it or just build it all by yourself?" he asked wonderingly, this time a note of envy creeping into his voice alongside the awe. He peered inside, noting the sleek leather upholstery. He really couldn't believe that something so beautiful could've have been made by a fellow demigod, but not out of doubt of her abilities. Wistfulness graced his warm expression for a moment, regretting not having learned an art other than that of war. This was real happiness, being able to pour your heart into something you loved. The weight of his small writing notebook grew a little heavier in his back pocket. He just wished his art didn't focus on death and pain, whether by the sword or pen, it seemed all that occupied the kind boy's life.
In the reflection, his ever vigilant eyes caught a micro-change in her face. Was that... pity? But it wasn't for him, he'd done nothing to warrant such a reaction. Logan guessed it had to with herself then and made sure he wouldn't let her think whatever she had again, if it was within his power. Anyone that could laugh like that didn't deserve to be haunted by their past.
The hypocrisy was not lost on Logan.
He straightened from his slightly crouched position and turned to face Ky' vie leaning against a lift this time around and adopting a similar pose to his new acquaintance, hopefully friend. "Why did you take the motorcycle if you had this beauty collecting dust in here?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"You'll come to learn in your time here that I'm not like my brothers and sisters; especially the ones where you come from. I might have my moments, but they are never without stress or threat to the camp, or the people I love." Allowing her weight to settle over her right side as she shifted slightly over the spot in which she stood, her hip jutted out ever so slightly, her eyes seeming to soften until she was able to gaze at him with a sweet warmth that just seemed to emanate from her entire being at times- this was what made it all worth it. Seeing the reaction on his face... the glint in his eyes as he took his time to look over the creation sitting in front of him; it was why she did what she did- and why she rarely ever accepted any payments for it either.
"..built it myself... part by part during a hard time- had to do something; I needed to replace my jeep after it got demolished." Sadness seemed to flicker across her features though it didn't last for longer than a second before she chuckled softly once more, her body turning around slowly before she let herself fall back to rest against the hood of her car; her features turning thoughtful as she let her mind play over his question, thinking of the best way for her to explain why she did what she did.
"..demigods attract monsters- as someone who goes on quests, you should know that better than anyone. If I were to take my car; well she wouldn't stand a very good chance at coming back without damage... but with my bike, I have more maneuverability- I can go places that I can't go in a normal car; so I guess it's a mix of both practicality, and worry..."
"You're right, of course. Most of our mechanics and engineers are just worried with making a deadlier weapon." Logan looked around the shop, at all of the projects, repair jobs, and broken weapons that needed repair. Ky' vie had a lot of responsibility, but was that all there was to it? Only time would tell, he said to himself. "It's more than a little heartening to see some beauty put into this world and not more ugliness." He took one long last look at the car, before turning his back to it. He'd get lost in the curves, the seats, the more than likely extremely powerful engine... Before he could stop himself, Logan was sure he'd be asking Ky' vie for a ride like he was twelve again.
He empathized with the daughter of Hephaestus, once again his thoughts going back to his writing. It seemed she poured herself into her own version of art to escape demons. The fact that Ky' vie had to keep referring to her car as a she and expressing worry over losing her... Well it brought unpleasant memories to the fore and he couldn't bite back a quick, but friendly correction.
She stood to his right, leaning against the Impala and he turned his head to meet her eyes. "I went on quests. It's been some time since.. I was last sent into the field." Feeling like Logan might have said just a smidge too much, he let his spirit warm again. The smile returned to his face, but his eyes still had that faraway look about them. In truth, Logan knew that tonight he'd spend hours just listening and listening to a voicemail that he couldn't bring himself to delete. "Yea, that makes sense. Although I'd prefer a 'venti' any day over something mechanical. They're very loyal creatures once you've tamed them." Logan diverted, trying to bring the conversation from the troublesome topic. His mood had not yet been watered down and colored by his memories or bitter recollections. Maybe a change of scenery?
"What do you say about a walk, huh? I could use the exercise and an experienced camper to show me all of those spots and sights only a native could," Logan asked amicably, but without demand. She seemed like a good person to get to know, for reasons other than her prodigious skills. Ky' vie had a large heart and Logan appreciated that. "I'm sure this clears your head better than a silly hike around your own home, but I'd really appreciate the company of a new friend?" the redheaded warrior asked with a sincere and boyish hopefulness in his voice, that couldn't be denied by any mortal. Half god or not!
She could see it in his eyes... hear it in the tone of his voice... even in the posture of his body; it was clear that he was hiding something- keeping something to himself. They all had secrets here; parts of their pasts that they just couldn't share with the other campers, and sometimes they couldn't even share it with themselves either... It was a natural part of life for a demigod; and though they would all need to face it one day in the future, that day could be oh so far away from them. She didn't bother to speak as she reached out to slip her hand into his own, squeezing it softly in both a comforting and reassuring manner as if to just let him know that she understood clearly- he didn't need to talk about it, not right now anyway; if he was ready... no, when he was ready to face his demons, she was going to be there to help him every step of the way.
"You know; a walk sounds really good right now; and didn't I already tell you? I always have time for my friends... no matter how new to camp they may be." Unable to hide the warm smile that graced her features once more, she didn't even bother to let go of his hand before she stood up, tugging lightly and playfully a couple of times to get him moving before she took pause for a few moments, her expression faltering slightly before she turned her head to look at him once more, her body leaning closer into his as she stared at him with a curious expression building behind her eyes, "Tell me... what are you like with dogs..?"
The feeling of a hand evoked a primal surge of grief that Logan tried desperately to smother every moment of every day. He involuntarily squeezed, almost desperate like a frightened child, his body betraying a need for comfort that he hadn't known he'd yearned for. Yet, Logan pushed those wayward emotions right back in that dark place only he was allowed into. The son of Jupiter couldn't afford weakness, right? This was perhaps the bitter truth that made the demigod so determined to maintain a positive outlook. He would never let his reasoning, his will, or his mind to succumb to things like grief, regret, and crippling guilt. He couldn't afford to. He'd been trained to be a legionnaire first, a man second.
There was something familiar about her keen mind and intuition. She meant him no harm, but Logan knew that she might be the undoing of the extensive wall he'd built to protect others from his own internalized suffering. He smiled broadly when she accepted his idea for a walk and his face practically split when she called him a friend. This small display of acceptance was the only spark the boy needed to bounce right back. He didn't feel off put by her familiarity or proximity, which surprised Logan. Even Syleste, with her gentle and nurturing nature, had made him uncomfortable. This was decidedly different, even though the last person to hold his hand had been Ashley...
Her question did indeed trip the warrior up, making his eyebrow shoot up in curiosity. "I used to polish Reyna's mechanical hound and I helped train war dogs in camp, I was very skilled in that. But I've never known one as a pet." Logan's eyes cast about, looking for a bed or a food and water bowl. He saw none. "Where does he stay? There's nothing here for him!" Did Ky' vie let him roam the camp by himself? What if he went out beyond the barrier, the scent of demigod thick on his fur, and a monster attacked him? He knew in his heart that his new friend wasn't so careless with those she loved, as an unconditional fact.
Biting her soft pink lower lip softly for a few moments, she let her eyes flick away from his own and over to one of the workbenches that was closest to them, her attention seeming to only linger there for a few moments before she reached over, her free hand diving into one of the many containers causing a gentle but constant clanging to sound before she retracted it back into her body; her hand opening up to reveal a palm full of nuts and bolts to him as she held it in between the both of them, "..give me your other hand..."
Waiting until his other hand had lifted up, she smirked softly as she tipped the contents of her hand into his palm, allowing him to ponder on what she was actually doing before she turned and led the way out of the garage and back into the fresh though warm air that was the camp grounds- keeping her hand within his own as she led him away from the fumes and oil smell coming from one of the places she spent most of her time, she eventually came to a stop, her head turning so that she could glance around for a moment before she lifted her free hand once more from her side, both her thumb and pointer finger slipping only just into her mouth as she took a deep breath; a loud and sharp whistle slipping through her lips and sounding out through the camp as though she were calling for something, the answer soon coming in the response of a dogs barking growing closer and closer to them both.
"Logan; I want you to meet my Ratchet." Lowering her arm back down to her side as she moved to clear his line of sight, she let her attention fall down to watch as the husky-sized mechanical dog that her father had given her on her first day came bounding towards the both of them excitedly, his tail whipping back and forth at an immense speed causing it to almost look like a complete blur to the eye, "Dad gave him to me my first day in camp; he sort of evolved into the camps dog, now everyone looks out for him- he stays in my cabin with me, much like Erin's cat stays in her cabin with her, and... he only eats nuts and bolts, so if you give him them, he's gunna love you forever, and you'll never be able to rid yourself of this big, handsome chunk of metal."
"Alright... but I expect it back," Logan joked. At Ky' vie's request, he took the offered metal odds and ends, wondering exactly what he'd do with them. He was quickly finding out that his new friend was a mysterious girl that had a fair share of surprises. She seemed to know exactly what she needed and where it was, which didn't surprise but rather affirmed his suspicions that this girl was one of those prodigy demigods, a master of metal just like he was a master of power and battle. He let her gently lead him out of the garage, a bemused look on his face, but an air of anticipation around his person. He was grateful on some level when she didn't release his hand.
Logan breathed in the fresh air once again, not being able to get enough of that zest of life that hung in the air in the camp. As extensive as Camp Jupiter was, with all of its comforts and luxuries, it didn't hold a candle to this kind of natural beauty. Not for the first time, Logan wondered why Rome had to take over Greece and destroy a civilization that could build such a paradise. They'd built on the bones of their enemies and reinvented the body, Greece was the inspiration, the spark of life.
Ky' vie let out a sharp whistle, putting a New Yorker to shame. Logan heard Ratchet before he actually caught sight of him. When he did realize what he was looking at, his jaw dropped unashamedly. The dog was a marvel and god-made, of that he was sure. As it bounded to his mistress's call he dug his paws into the ground to slow his approach. Deep furrows were made by the dog's Celestial bronze claws and the faint sound of machinery could be heard -emanating from him. "How ya doing boy? I hear your name's Ratchet! Wanna treat?! Does the good boy wanna treat?! Sit!" Logan said, greeting the dog with affection and inviting voice. He held half of the metal bits that Ky'vie had given to him high above his head, talking a small half step forward. This was how he approached the war dogs and the tactic worked well with Ratchet, whose hummingbird-fast tail swatted away too tall grass and weeds as he sat obediently, head tilted in interest. "Good boy, Ratchet! Here's your treat!" He threw the nuts and bolts towards his metal muzzle that snatched them mid-air and greedily gobbled them.
Ratchet nosed Logan's closed hand, smelling and knowing his treats were contained within. "Lay down! On your back!" Logan was delighted at Ratchet's well-trained obedience to the commands. The dog now lay on his back, paws held bent over his chest as his tail beat faster than ever! "Here you go!" he said, throwing the mechanical dog the rest of his goodies. Logan's face was the picture of happiness, this little bit of familiarity that begged his way for treats no one had reminding him strongly of Camp Jupiter. "Thank you Ky' vie, seriously. He's amazing!" the words were sincere and emphatically felt.
"..you don't have to thank me, Logan; my father might have given him to me, but now he's as much your pet as he is mine. And just like me; he's always gunna be there for you- we're a team... a family... and now you're a part of that, no matter who your father is." Readjusting her hand within his, she entwined her fingers within his own with a gentle smile upon her lips as she motioned with her head towards the beach, waiting for some type of response before she began to slowly walk by his side to where the calming and sweet sounds of the waves beating against the sand could be heard coming from- it was one of the few places in camp that she could just sit back... relax... and just think; listening to the water rushing back and forth over the shore.
Lifting her free hand up from her side once more, she brought it back behind her head before she took a hold of her hair tie, pulling it out and allowing her brilliant red mane to fall down over her back and shoulders once again, "..I'm not going to lie to you, Logan... I don't know how things work back in Camp Jupiter, and to be honest, I doubt that I'm ever going to know what goes on there... but I do know that we're not like them here. I can't read minds, and I've got no idea about what's going through your mind; but if you think that you needa prove yourself to us- you don't... We don't care that you're dad is Jupiter; you're not your father... You're you, and that's all that we care about; who you are, and who you wanna be."
Pausing for a few minutes of silence as they drew closer to the sand bank, she involuntarily tightened her grip on his hand as she leant over, her free hand helping to remove her shoes and socks from her feet before she jumped down into the bank; her hand never once leaving his as she turned to look back up at him, waiting for him to join her, "We get our chores done, and we basically do whatever it is that we want here. You're free to be yourself with us, no matter who that person may be; and you're always going to be welcome. So try and relax okay? Have some fun- that's what camp's for, isn't it..?"
The solider had no answer to what she said. Camp Jupiter had been his family, until he'd let them down, let his father down, and himself. They had to hate him, because it had been all his fault! He should have told them to pull back, that it was too risky! No, the son of Jupiter had to prove himself... He didn't feel like he deserved this girl's care and acceptance, not when he was a murderer. Yet, the water mimicked the tide his heart was going through, breaking against the bank without end. That was, until Ky went in with both feet. Maybe that was the answer? With his free hand, Logan unlaced his boots with the swiftness only a soldier knew, taking that sweet brief chance at relaxation he could find.
Next come his socks and he reveled in the feel of the lush grass, almost as if nature had laid out the green carpet. He followed that hand that gently pulled, the grip feeling stronger than any he'd known. The sands yielded under his feet, but not that smile, not those sympathetic eyes. Logan's eyes stung, from the saltwater he told himself, though he knew that wasn't true. His nostrils flared as Ky's words hit him harder than any blow could, his pain more obvious with every heartfelt sentiment. His mouth was a thin line, his jaw muscles flexed as he clenched his teeth. For a few moments, every fiber of his being resisted. The temptation was palpable, to abandon his sacred oath to the order, the family of the Roman Army. It screamed against this heathen attitude, these values that were synonymous to weakness. But what had that ethos gotten Logan? Nothing but misery, nothing but bitter solitude. The hand holding Ky's briefly relaxed, seeming to let go. Then it tightened with a new feeling of resolve. Logan decided to find the strength to detach his past so it wouldn't hinder his future, but he simply didn't know how, even though the spirit was willing.
He took one step into water and froze. Then his left foot joined his right and he stood next to Ky' vie, looking down at her with red-rimmed eyes, shining with tears that wouldn't be allowed to fall. Even as the last of her words struck Logan's core, he fell to his knees, his head falling against Ky's stomach as he grew absolutely still, staring into the water but not seeing it. "I... don't know how to do any of that," Logan admitted, his voice a hoarse crack instead of the usual confidence and warmth. And as his voice confirmed that he was a broken man, he saw Ashley's weeping face right before he kissed her good-bye. He saw Nolan's last look of forgiveness, as if his friend knew Logan would live and blame himself to the grave. Then he saw nothing, as he motionlessly and soundlessly wept, tears blurring his vision past the point of sight. But his hand never lessened its desperate grip, as if that hand kept him from floating out into the sea to never be seen again.
Reluctance... that's all that she could see within his eyes; and then just like that, it was gone... he was gone- replaced by the real him. The broken soldier that wanted to heal, but just didn't seem to know how to even begin- the very feeling of his head pressing lightly against her stomach causing her soft pink lips to part slightly and a familiar sting to flicker through her eyes, an early warning sign of what she already knew was coming. Closing her eyes slowly as she felt her own tears building before silently falling down her cheeks, she tightened the grasp on his hand as much as she possibly could, letting him know as best as she could that she wasn't going anywhere as she brought her free arm up from where it hung limply at her side; her arm instinctively and protectively wrapping around his back, pulling him closer against her body as she nodded her head slowly and in understanding- just like him, she had her own demons from her past; ones that haunted her... ones that wouldn't let her be... they were both fighting some battle, and if she couldn't fix her own, she was going to help him get through and rid himself of any demons he had...
"..I know... and I'll do all I can to help you, Logan... but only if you want me to..." Closing her eyes tighter than they were moments before, she hunched her shoulders as she leant her body over him, her fingers curling lightly against his back as she pressed her lips lightly against the top of his head in a comforting and reassuring manner, holding them there for as long as she thought he'd let her before she straightened herself up again; her now red eyes slowly opening so that she could stare at the water moving about around them, her already broken heart seeming to shatter apart just that little more with every moment that passed the two of them by, "..I'm not going to force you to tell me anything... and I don't expect you to; not until you're ready and comfortable to do so... but know I'm always going to be here- whenever you need me, I'm right here... no matter what..."
Even in the depths of his agony, the feeling of her hand creeping, clinging to his shirt, and then pulling him closer broke already weakened walls that had surrounded his heart. When Ky' vie's own trembling started and her scalding tears fell onto his hair, Logan knew that they wouldn't be built up again. He wanted to tell this kind and amazing girl everything he'd ever wished, hated, and regretted. Everything that he'd kept to himself while trying to live up to the expectations as a son of Jupiter flooded to the surface like their tears. This... visceral release left Logan shaken and scared, but in the best way. It was much like the first time he had flown and only now did he realize why this gift had given him so much trouble. He'd simply forgotten how to truly accept the feeling of joy and happiness.
The feeling of her lips broke the cascade of tears and memories that flashed before his eyes. Ky had ripped him from that dark and lonely past and had thrown him to the present. The demigod felt born anew and raw. His own arms wrapped around her lower back, clinging to her tightly as she reassured him and promised she'd never leave his side. Could he trust that promise? With their dangerous lives could any demigod really promise that? If there was a woman who could, it was Ky, Logan decided. He'd trust her wholly and without reservation. When his tears finally came to an end, he took several deep and shuddering breaths. The break of the small waves of the bay seemed to clean off the evidence of his suffering, as if telling him that it was okay to let go.
So he let it happen and the snake that was coiled around his heart lessened its suffocative hold.
Logan felt the thrill of life with renewed passion, in such quantities that he could scarcely believe it. Unwillingly, wind began to whip around the two as he rose to his feet. They could no longer feel water on their legs and feet, because it was held at bay by the unconsciously made winds. Logan held that kiss until he felt the words bubble from deep inside, then laying his cheek against the top of her hair.
"I do want you to," he said in a near whisper, so shocked by the depth of that conviction. "I want it more than anything I can remember... Soon, I think I'll be ready, but Ky.. I know I'm not the only one with a shadow of the past haunting them." At this, he pulled back only enough to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "All that you've said to me, I promise to you. Whenever you need me, I'll be there. Whatever you wish to tell me, I will listen. With no judgments, with an open mind," with two fingers, he touched his racing heart that pounded as fast as the winds that whipped around them, "and an open heart. You can help me heal, if you let me do the same for you." With this, he tipped her chin up and kissed her forehead tenderly. And he waited for her reply in their own small tornado, the wind leaving the pair untouched even as the water tried to join again.
Her lower lip quivered lightly the very moment that the words fell softly from his lips- he… wanted to help her..? The thought of him trying to help mend the shattered pieces of her broken heart causing her stomach to churn nervously and a dull, aching pain to fill her chest; would she really be able to trust him, like he seemed to be able to trust her..? Feeling the gentle touch of his hand pressing lightly against her cheek, a light red tinge crossed over them, adding to the already natural color that they held as she slowly lifted her gaze up to meet with his own; her eyes flicking back and forth between his as though she were searching for something but just couldn’t seem to find it.
She had heard promises like this before… and she had been stupid to believe them then; every single promise, every single hope that Derek had given her, had been broken apart and tossed away as though the time that they had spent with one another had meant absolutely nothing to him- widening her eyes slightly as she felt Logan’s finger lightly cupping her chin before tilting her head up so that he could see her properly, she felt her heart begin to race against her rib cage. No… this wasn’t right… it was his first day in camp, her first day back home; and she still had Derek to think about… The moment that his lips came into contact with her forehead, her cheeks flushed a deep red in color, causing the ends of her hair to seemingly spark up and catch a light; the flames flickering wildly and barely managing to stay lit and in control as the winds continued to whip around the both of them, suppressing the air in the small area in which they were both confined.
“I-… Logan; we should go… we need to get ready… and y-you need to dry off before you catch a cold…”
Ky' vie's admission that they should leave put him slightly off balance. He'd just bared his soul and suddenly she was removing herself from the situation. Had he said too much? Done too much? As suddenly as the wind had come to be, it went, the water crashing against the pair once more. Logan couldn't have sobered if he'd been doused in ice water. Clearing his throat, he extricated himself from the quite literally fiery girl, taking a step back. His mouth was dry and his nerves were shot. The emotional tax finally caught up to him, resulting in a frayed and worn expression. His eyes hard darkened, much like a terrible thunderstorm. Clouds rolled, casting shadows on the water where there had been intense daylight.
"Yea, of course.." Logan replied, feeling like a fool. What had he been thinking? He'd just met Ky' vie and was already trusting her complicity? After creating some distance between them, he waded through the water and stepped onto the bank. He grabbed his shoes and socks, stuffing one into the other. He seemed remarkably flustered and had an intense desire to return to Zeus's cabin. He busied himself with the weapons and rucksack he'd left on the back. He began buckling his swordbelt around one of the straps for ease. The need to get away and sort out the turmoil in his heart was greater than ever.
The release of expectation had given him new perspective, allowing Logan to be more honest with himself than ever he realized that there was a budding affection or possibly more with this beautiful grease monkey. Guilt struck him like a very real blow, as if he had just cheated on Ashley and her memory. "The barbecue tonight, right? I wouldn't miss it, I'll catch you later Ky." With a watery smile, he shouldered his pack and stood tall, having been crouched as he got his personal effects in order.
"..Logan..." Pain shot through her chest, seeming to pierce her heart as his words sunk into her very being- it was clear as day as to what had happened; she had fucked up. Somehow she had scared him away, and she had a feeling she knew just what it was that had caused things to take such a sour turn. Not even bothering to hesitate another moment, she quickly made her way through the water and back towards the bank, her hurried movements kicking up the water causing it to splash about and douse the flames that had taken over in place of her normal fiery locks. Scrambling back up onto the bank, she completely ignored both her shoes and socks- they didn't matter. Right now... she owed him an explanation. The guilt she felt over the fact that she was still madly in love with a guy that couldn't care less about her was nothing compared the the guilt that was eating her up inside at the thought that she had just unintentionally hurt Logan... especially after he had just poured his heart out to her in the way that he had.
"..Logan, wait- I didn't mean..." Reaching out towards him as she drew closer, she took a gentle though still rather firm hold of his free hand, not caring as to how it might look to him or anyone else that might see them; her other hand lifting from her side to instead rest softly against his cheek, her features filled with nothing but guilt, pain, worry and sadness all rolled into one as she stared up into his eyes, trying to figure out the best way to make up for her actions and words only moments before, "I... want you to help me; just as much as I want to help you- but it's not that simple. Look, I get that this might not make any sense to you, especially after I just blew you off like that, but..."
She paused for a few moments, her eyes lowering from his own and trailing away as she thought, the soft hand held against his cheek slipping only slightly before she lowered it back down to her sides, her other hand tightening its grip over his own as she lifted her head to meet with his eyes once more, "..anything you want to know about me, I'll tell you; just not now... later- stay after the barbecue, we can talk then... okay..?"
At Ky's touch, his body relaxed and tightened in stark contrast. The thrill that came was almost too much for him, having not felt this way for longer than he'd care to remember. When he looked down into her eyes Logan saw the truth in her words. It seemed he wasn't the only one hurt, her eyes reflecting a myriad of confusing emotions that he couldn't quite name. He knew similar pain was mirrored in his own, but he tried to keep his emotions in check. His very first day here and this is where he landed? Logan couldn't help but get a strange vibe, almost ominous in nature. He intuitively knew it wasn't about Ky' vie, but she was connected to it personally.
Shaking this feeling, he came back to reality and this wondrous girl in front of him. Was it wrong to feel like he could trust, that he truly wanted to? If only he could have talked to Ashley one last time... He didn't dwell on the impossible however. "It doesn't... but alright. I wouldn't miss it if my life depended on it, but Ky.. You aren't the only one scared about someone finally seeing what you've spent a long time hiding," Logan informed her, his voice still slightly hoarse but regaining a strength that hadn't been present even when he'd first entered her garage. The person he was before his loss was emerging once more, this time free of the burden of expectations he'd known at Camp Jupiter. Logan may have been broken down, but what was there was the same indomitable will that had always been. And now the son of Jupiter had a very different battle to face.
His hand squeezed her own tightly, with a strength of emotion that translated with his grip's intensity. He slowly let go, extricating it from her own firm hold. He brought it to her face, cupping her right cheek and chin tenderly, as if he were holding a flower. His eyes seemed to hold a wonder, as if asking an unvoiced question. "I'll take you up on that, definitely. The same goes for you, anything you want to know.. I'm an open book." Logan smiled down at Ky, a mixture of tenderness and disbelief. Logan was utterly surprised with how his life here at the camp had suddenly changed how he viewed his life and his mistakes. He'd wanted and expected change when he transferred camps, but meeting Ky' vie hadn't been in his plans.
It was the most natural thing in the world, and though every little part of her was screaming for her not to, she couldn't help the way that her eyes closed softly as she leant her cheek into the warm touch of his hand. How..? The single word wouldn't stop playing over and over in her mind as she tried to figure out the answer to it. How was it that he of all people had the ability to get her to second guess herself... he wasn't even a single day within the camp, and already she felt like she could trust him enough to open up- to tell him everything that he wanted to know about her; everything that she had kept to herself over the years... By the Gods it scared her...
