looks like a flower;; stings like a bee

“True, I guess that’s true.”  She said shuffling her feet.  “I don’t know it just seems different this time.  But yeah no need to arrest me!” 

“It feels different because you’re not nervous, or twitchy, or under the influence of illegal narcotics.” 

“No.” he said looking at her “I will not eat off the floor.”

“Well, then we have no deal, Dolos.” 

I guess you don’t mess with a woman with power and an opinion then. That’s not the worst story I’ve read though.

“Oh yeah, what’s your favourite Greek horror story?”

Mila rolled her eyes “Whoever it may have been, Penelope is informed not to get in my way as well.” Lovesick fools, the easiest targets. Shaking her head “I’m surprised he’s still going around as a cop.”

“Is that so. And what about me, have I been informed not to get in your way? Well cops always have had a knack of bypassing their own laws. It’s really no surprise he’s still walking the beat - but don’t worry I have my eye on him, and if I have my way he wont be wearing that uniform for much longer.” 

Oh you mean Greek Mythology. I suppose it’s interesting. Greeks created a very complex timeline just to base their belief system on - much more complexing than Catholicism.

“Precisely, and they were much crueler too. Cursing beautiful women with snakes for hair and a gaze that turns men to stone, turning two lovers into lions so that they might never be together purely because they momentarily forgot to repay a debt.” 

“Then I request that you call me Declan, we’re not on back where we were Atalanta.” He didn’t want to be referred by his given name because he was terrified of that power he possessed. “Just do that, for me. Please?”

“Okay, then do one thing for me, Declan.” She asked, a wicked little smirk creeping at the corner of her lips. “Eat this, even though it’s been on the floor.” 

“Out of practice? With their little group always following around, it was just enough to get something started. Odysseus, Hebe and Heath weren’t the most likely target, but who wouldn’t want to mess with the birthday girl.” Mila shrugged. “Certainly caught Penelope’s attention, I wonder who informed her.” Mila said in a bitter voice. “That will be that, it’s almost comical that Hercules was the one going crazy.”

“Well, Hebe certainly wasn’t the most likely choice but she sure is causing a stir around here these days, I don’t blame you for making easy targets out of Odysseus and Heracles, there are plenty of Allies that want to make their lives hell. Informed her of what, that you were responsible for her Husbands near death experience - I have no idea whatsoever.” Atty smiled innocently. “Some might call it tragically poetic!” 

“Still I worry for the food that has gone to waste because of someone’s lack of taking care of something. Honestly you do not have to call me Dolos, I’m Declan here Atty.” he said clearing his throat. Frankly Declan didn’t want Dolos to escape him, for now that side of him was suppressed.

“No food has gone to waste don’t be dramatic. And I will call you Dolos because it is your name, as mine is Atalanta - though I am not going to force you to call me that if you don’t want to. That’s your choice. You can request I call you Declan only, if it bothers you so much but it kind of sounds to me like you’re ashamed of who you really are.” 

Rome? 

“And how many addictions can we say are beneficial? Not many, I’m sure. Unless chocolate counts…”

“Chocolate definitely counts. Caffine and Chocolate together is the ultimate addiction!” 

“I mean it was kind of a low blow but whatever.  Yeah I’ve been clean for a while now actually.” 

“Oh c’mon - we both know that’s not half as bad as some of the blows I’ve aimed your way in the past, pretty sure you can take it. You’re a big girl now. Aye, good on you, guess I wont have to arrest you in the near future after all” 

“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm Atalanta, if anything don’t kiss ass,nor say things if you don’t care. Be straight, and cut the bullshit.” If Atalanta didn’t like Medusa, that was fine but there was no point beating around the bush and putting on Masks. Mila ignored her last bit.

“Lets get one thing straight, I don’t kiss ass. I was genuinely - almost - impressed, sure the plan was a little ragged around the edges but you’re out of practice was else is to be expected. It worked at the end of the day right? Sure I mean - I’d of been a little more subtle about it, but you got your point across without painting a target on your own back.” She nodded approvingly, sure she wasn’t all about Mila’s methods but she couldn’t deny that they had worked afterall. 

“Technically speaking, coffee always existed, just people didn’t know about it.”

“I meant it’s drinkable form.” 

“And what reason would I have to lie to you, my queen?” 

“True, I have to give you that.”  Irene felt her blood turn cold and her jaw tighten.  Not at all amused by the joke.  “No, doesn’t have as heavy side effects” 

“I honestly believe you lost yourself the minute you labelled yourself as ‘just the wife’. Sure you were a mother, but you still could have have been more than the woman who waited. You lost yourself as soon as you classified your life as unimportant without him. You didn’t have to be a bitch, or a princess, or a warrior or queen, you didn’t have to be anyone but yourself and you chose to be a nobody. I cannot promise that no harm will come to your beloved, I cannot promise the other allies will not try, but I will not harm him - but I hope for your sake that you wise up and pick the right side. Do not finally choose to fight and pick the losing side, Penelope. You’ve got a second chance to live, you’ve got a second chance to be someone other than the woman who waited. Don’t be me, or Medusa and Medea who so wrapped up in revenge that we have nothing else... “