APOCALYPTIC

“Maxine you and I both know that the one thing you cannot truthfully attack us for is our taste, well maybe Remi but he’s a defunct product that we weren’t allowed to return.” He truly enjoyed how easy it was to get on Max’s bad side, in fact he was pretty sure that he never left it. “But I see that I’ve hit a nerve.”

There was an amused smile on his face that was only continuing to grow the more that Max spoke, he could tell that she had been drinking since leaving the trail because the woman he normally engaged with would definitely had made a dramatic exit by now. “Didn’t she make out quite passionately with her brother? Strange ideals to be proud of, I’m sure that I seen Rory walking about as Luke, is this your way of telling the world about your weird incestuous ways?” Despite calling it a white sheet, star trek outfit Vincent did know some facts. He new that he had moved towards the very fine line and was fully expecting a more dramatic response this time. “Max just because people don’t want to sleep with you it doesn’t mean that those of us who are desirable are riddled with diseases, it just means that you’re repulsive. But fine,” when she refused to join him he put his cup down on the ground and in an awkward and uncoordinated fashion got to his feet and picked the drink up again. “I guess we’ll need to do this on my feet. I need to get myself another drink purely because of this conversation and you clearly need one because you’re dealing with some deep-set family issues but you can get your own - since you’re worried I’ll poison you or whatever. While you might disgust me you’re definitely more interesting that most people here so just come with me without moaning.”

† 

                            close your eyes. breathe in, breathe out. it’s not worth it—he is not worth it. she tries to remind herself of this constantly, but her efforts remain fruitless when she doesn’t even try to get away from him. 

“ they didn’t even know they were related at the time. what are you, daft? but since you brought it up yourself, have you forgotten that your own mother had an affair with not only her BROTHER but her FATHER, too? disgusting. no wonder her children are all incompetent abominations. it would suit you to stop projecting your own sexual fantasies on others, vincent, for the love of the gods, seek some help, please. ” maxine doesn’t raise her voice when she speaks, yet her words are nothing if not malevolent. she has every urge to hurt the male in front of her, fingertips digging deep into the crumbling plastic of her cup. there’s nothing genuine about the smile on her face, though she refuses to let this pathetic asshole get her all riled up ( bit too late, perhaps ). “ you boosted my ego the second you called me repulsive. with a taste that’s cheap and easy like yours, i’d almost consider it a compliment. ” a brow is raised when the son of aphrodite suddenly gets to his feet; for a moment maxine contemplates throwing the drink in his face for real—but she decides against it, scoffing at the audacity of his request instead. “ what part of this conversation has led you into believing that i have any desire whatsoever to have a drink with you? the part where i called your mother a petty little bitch, or the part where i told you to go to a psychiatrist? because FRANKLY, none of it was meant to be an invitation. ”

“That is what I said.” The adjective had been directed more at the movies than the costume itself but he simultaneously stood by directing it at Max - mainly because the rise out of her was music to his ears. He was used to her spikey nature and harsh words, she’d made it clear many times before that she wasn’t a fan of him or any of his siblings but Vincent loved her all the more for it. She made his life exciting and the alcohol in his system that had lightened his spirits only made him want to engage with her even more.

“People like to dress up to hide who they are, I’ve got nothing to hide I guess. What are you hiding behind your white sheet Maxine? Personally I’d hope it’s a personality but it’s been what - twenty something years and you’ve yet to find that so I doubt tonight’s the night.” He rolled his eyes, a quick scoff leaving his lips as he patted the floor beside him. “Please it might boost your image to be associated with me, people might actually think you have taste for once. Sit, it’s no fun insulting you when you’re all the way up there and I’m down here. The worst that can happen is you might learn what it feels like to have people look at you because you look good and not because you give them nightmares. I’ll even share my drink as sign of good faith?”

† 

                    “ WHITE SHEET? ” there’s a scoff; apparently she is drunk enough to actually take offense to his words. she shouldn’t, really, but she blames HIM for somehow toying with her emotions. “ i thought being a son of aphrodite only resulted in a lack of brains, but clearly, there’s a lack of taste and common sense, too. ”

there’s ZERO reason for her to be taking the bait; had she been sober, she would have simply emptied her cup on vincent’s head and moved on with her life ( but sadly, it’s already too late for that ). “ if that’s how you want to play your cards—i did dress up accordingly. leia is royalty, you uncultured pig. perhaps you actually want to do some research before you try and insult someone. moron. ” she shakes her head in disapproval; quietly counting to ten before she actually does go and spill his drink on him. what a waste of good alcohol, that’d be. “ thanks, but no thanks. as always, i am perfectly fine with looking down on you, and i rather not drink from anything your lips may have touched. only the gods know what kind of std i’ll end up catching. ”

The fire had been nothing more than an inconvenience of having to move venue for Vincent, he’d barely even registered it other than moving with the crowds towards the Hermes house. Since arriving he’d taken up his previous mantel, people watching and consuming enough alcohol so that he was starting to see double of most people. He was sat against a wall, just watching when a familiar face passed one he hadn’t spoke to yet tonight. “Hey you! Shitty star trek costume!” He called out his hand waving in Max’s direction. “Where have you been all night or were you just embarrassed to show up looking like that?”

†        

                        sometimes, maxine wonders if aphrodite just throws her children straight down from the sky to get rid of them. it certainly would explain the BRAIN DAMAGE that most of them seem to be suffering from so deeply. exhibit a: vincent. eonia’s standards must’ve really hit rock bottom when they decided to let this fool join the university. 

“ shitty star trek costume? ” the words are repeated in a slightly slurred tone that’s akin to disbelief—courtesy of the alcohol that was already running through her veins. “ i see your costume stayed very true to character. a petty, greedy little bitch, just like your mother. ” her smile is sweet like honey; contrary to the daggers she’s shooting with her eyes. braindead or not, maxine did not appreciate him coming for her obviously superior outfit. “ not as embarrassed as i am to be found talking to you. what if people actually assume i associate with you? THE HORROR. ”

Most people would stay away from those who hate them, but Iker wasn’t like most people, he thrives around those who dislike him. This is why he effortlessly approaches Max, a shit-eating grin across his face as he leans against the wall, blocking her way. “Hey Max,” he says and he can sense that if she could reach his face, she’d punch him. “Are you looking for gossip to write about?”

†

                          burgundy painted lips part to heave a deep sigh, arms already crossed over her chest out of sheer impatience. “ hello, airhead. ” getting under the skin of aphrodite’s children was something she would usually take great pride in; but NOT when there was a party going on and far more entertaining company to keep. iker was just about the last person she’d consider spending time with—and he is right to think that she had the desire to punch him square in the face. she knows not to show this, however, and instead grants him an almost pitiful smile. “ gossip usually has a way of finding me. have you heard about that one moron who got his ass handed to him by a chick in white boots? they say he left the party in tears. tragic, really. ”

            he   gives   her   unamused   look   ,   one   which   normally   results   in   him   arguing   with   his   boss   over   the   fact   that   he   can’t   kick   her   out   of   polaris   after   one   single   sentence   .      ❛      that’s   good   confidence   ,   but   not   much   scares   me   ,   not   even   horror   movies   .   you   might   want   to   save   what   i’m   sure   you   think   is   an   advanced   level   of   humour   for   someone   who   cares   for   it   .      ❜

†

                       there’s a click of her tongue, unclear whether she is disapproving of his words or merely humoring them. horror movies, really? “ your entire life must be no short of a horror movie, izak. it’s no wonder you constantly look like you’re in pain. ” maxine smiles at him then, pushing her luck by patting his cheek as if to comfort a child. “ i apologise for not recognising your undeniable strength and courage from the start. ”

     “ I’M SERIOUS, MAX ! ” mia’s beams as she says it, fully amused and entertained as she cuts her drag short. “ take one item from my closet, and you know those aren’t whatever finds you can grab at net-a-porter. some of them i got from set, some straight from the runway, okay, and you can get your pick provided that you lay off noor for the rest of the year. ” it’s partly in defense of her best friend, but mia would be lying if she said she’s not also intrigued to see how restraint would look on maxine. // @eumaxine​

*

                       to say she isn’t the least bit intrigued by mia’s offer would be a blatant lie. sure, maxine’s got the money to buy anything she wanted—but mia had the connections to acquire actual collector’s items. unique pieces that would undoubtedly elevate her wardrobe to the next level. with the year being only two months short of coming to an end, it certainly is a proposal worth considering. perhaps with an easier target, however, and not the one child of aphrodite who would literally demand everyone’s attention once she walked into the room. “ theoretically? amazing. who is to say your little friend won’t trick you into believing that i never stopped harassing her, though? ” and who is to say that she ever did try? it wouldn’t be the first time for her to play dirty. “ i don’t understand what you see in them, really. you’re better than that, mia. don’t cut yourself short with such a questionable taste in friends. ” 

               𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐎 𝐁𝐘 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 and simply watches her,     looking entirely unimpressed.     It took him some time to catch up to what Max was doing mid-trail to those who were crossing it,     but hearing complaints about getting hit by something that suspiciously held the mass of a small rock immediately made him think of Max and the often annoying ways she uses her powers.     

       ❛   I know that you’re hiting people with rocks Maxine,   ❜     he uses her full name——    not Max——     because he wants her to understand the gravity of the situation.     ❛   We agreed that we could trick them into thinking they’re being attacked,     but we’re not allowed to physically hurt anyone,    much less with rocks,    of all things.     And I’m certain it’s you because I’ve mostly been hearing complaints from Aphrodite’s children,     so don’t try to weasel your way out of this one.   ❜ 

                      her expression is one of pure horror when angus calls her by her full name, and maxine is sure to lay it on thick. she’s always been one to act dramatic, and knows for a fault that angus is, too. “ i shall repeat myself one last time for the people in the back: calm the fuck down, angus. it is my right to do whatever i please to scare the living shit out of people tonight, as long as i don’t touch them, and i have NOT. ”

with the amount of times she’s rolled her eyes at the son of hecate in the past few minutes, it is no short of a miracle they haven’t popped out of their sockets just yet. sure, some rocks may or may not have grazed a couple of students walking the trail: what was the big deal, exactly? if anything, her antics had only made their fear intensify—and wasn’t that the whole POINT of the night? “ what can i say? aphrodite’s children just love to cheat and deceive. don’t know why i thought you’d be smart enough not to fall for their charmspeak, you poor, unfortunate fool. ”

            ❛      that   sounds   like   it’s   something   pulled   straight   out   of   a   horror   movie   ,      ❜      he   says   ,   albeit   slightly   impressed   with   what   he’s   heard   about   the   trail   so   far   ,   even   if   he   hasn’t   stepped   foot   in   it   yet   .      ❛      which   wouldn’t   be   a   far   stretch   ,   coming   from   you   .      ❜

                       “ aaaaaaah, ” maxine exclaims, her tone as patronizing as it is condescending. “ so you do take after your daddy, after all! you might not have his eyes, but you sure did inherit his cowardice. that’s adorable, izak! ” the smile that graces her lips is dangerously sweet, head tilting as she coos at him. “ but don’t fret, dear nephew, we made sure to stock up on some clean panties at the finish line. y’know, just in case you end up wetting yourself. ”

“ look, i get it. you’re into me. who isn’t? with your age, though? kinda creepy, if you ask me. if that was your way of scaring me, congratulations. you won! now find yourself something better to do. shoosh, “ maxine speaks, waving her hand dismissively as if getting rid of an unwanted dog. ( @anguseu​ ! )

                                 ❝   would it help if I got out and pushed?                      ( all the children of aphrodite straight into lake cleito? ) ❞

                                                     —— MAXINE GARCIA as LEIA SKYWALKER                      

royalty, but make it badass. somehow tricked her brother into dressing up as her counterpart to serve as the perfect accessory. don't be fooled by pure white color of her dress; the daughter of hades will STILL kick your ass if she has to—have you seen those BOOTS?

in practice, however? it was an absolute nightmare.

“ this is stupid. ” childish arrogance of someone who simply cannot stand underperforming, especially not when her expectations had been so high. how hard could it possibly be to hit the goddamn target at least once? and to make matters worse, they had to deal with this disaster of a substitute teacher. how was a child of apollo supposed to be teaching her anything? " hey, sonny! ” there’s malice prowling in her voice; an inkling of trouble surfacing in her eyes. “ could you be a gem and help me out here a moment? i can’t seem to hit the target. might need a bigger one to start with. ”

there’s a quirk of her brow; challenging, as she raises the bow again and aims it at samson. “ perhaps you’d like to volunteer? actually add some value to the class? ” ( @eusamson​ ! )

the audacity rory has to not agree to her plans; who does he think he is? she is still the older sibling in this room, and she has no intention of leaving until she gets what she wants. “ do you not care about your favourite sister at all? ” a joke, obviously, though when she settles down next to him on the sofa, she does so in the most dramatic way possible. “ besides, it should be an honor to be the luke to my leia. do you know what others wouldn’t give to play the part? however, i won’t settle for less than perfection and you are obviously the only valid option here. and because i am the best sister to ever exist in this rotten, borderline incestuous world of demigods, i will pay for all of your drinks if you wear the goddamn costume and come with me. you still owe me, anyway. you know. for that one time at polaris. three weeks ago. maybe six. ” hell, even maxine herself has no idea what she’s on about, but it doesn’t matter as long as the words sound at least somewhat believable. ( @roryeu​ ! )

" angus! it is so good to see you here. alone. again. ” the thud of her glass hitting the bar is almost loud enough to be heard through the music, her smile suspiciously sweet when she seats herself next to him. “ and looking absolutely stunning as always, too! though, you should probably fix this stray hair over here.. ” it’s almost like taking candy from a kid; too easy. she reaches out for the loose strand without a single care, tapping against her fluorescent colored cocktail in the process. the result is a bright blue waterfall that stains the (expensive, no doubt) white blouse of the elder almost instantly. then she gasps; a sound of feigned surprise. “ oh, fuck. that is totally my bad and an absolute waste. but don’t worry, you don’t have to pay me another overpriced cocktail. just a beer will be fine, thanks! ” ( @anguseu​ ! )