unbothered ;

standing in a line, was not how Adelaide planned on spending her late afternoon but she had a cram session she needed to supply a little caffeine for. that however seemed to be everyone else’s plan as well. listening to the person at the front of the line um and ahh over what they were going to choose, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes and instead looked around the room for any sort of distraction. that interestingly came in the form of a face she didn’t usually talk to. that just so happened to be standing right behind her. Zoe Megalos. daughter of Hercules and Megara. no the normal girl that Ade hung out with but a breath of fresh air when she needed one. “well, hey there.” she exclaimed gently with a bright smile. “looks like we get to suffer together.” @zmegalos

zoe probably shared the same annoyance as everyone else in line. it was a shame-- normally, despite the line, these baristas were able to blow through it pretty quickly. the brunette was one of many that kept checking their watches, having other places to be and bigger fish to fry. thank zeus for the blonde in front of her, dragging her out of her grumpy stupor. she was quick to offer up a smile, burying whatever irritation was written on her face. “there’s like. .  always a rush at this time. not really prime time to decide to venture outside your comfort zone and try something new,” zoe huffed. “i think it’s even more frustrating when you know your own order is so, so simple and would take about three seconds to make.” zoe’s head nodded forward, as if to give attention to the line taking a step forward. “you probably have to have the patience of a saint to be working here.”

“Come on, Z. We’re young and in one of the most amazing places in the world and you want to sit at home? I won’t allow it. As your friend, I am demanding that you go out with me.” Reagan proclaimed with a proud grin as she watched the smaller girl carefully. Part of her and her mothers plan was for Reagan to get as close as she could to the royals and befriending Zoe was one of the first royal friends that she had made. She needed to make sure it still looked authentic and like she was actually invested in the relationship if her plan was to follow through later on.

@zmegalos

“you’re demanding,” she echoed, sighing. the one night she didn’t have homework. a meeting. practice. anything. zoe had spent the better part of the last ten minutes trying to convince reagan to stay in. watch a movie. anything. but she had to hand it to the girl, she was persistent. “say i do say yes, where the hell are we going? and are you going to drag me out of bed for my 8:30?”

With the weather getting warmer, that meant that it was a bit more pleasant to be outside. On top of that, seeing as he had thought it was a great idea to pick up a life guard gig, he had a meeting at the local pool. It wasn’t too long, the basic blah-blah-blah of rules and regulations that he jotted down absentmindedly in his notebook before snapping it shut. He’d honestly picked up this job to show off a bit for some eye candy with the girls around here, nothing like a guy saving your life to get you in the mood, a knight in shining swimswear if you thought about it. Stepping out of the gate, he stopped short at the person eyeing the area before motioning to the sign, “It’s not open for another three weeks, gotta get the pool clean and what not.” Sterling explained with that charming smile crossing his face, head falling to the side slightly, “You swim often?”

“yeah, i figured as much,” zoe nodded, still craning her head to look at the seemingly vacant area before directing her gaze to the skyscraper of a human in front of her. she recognized him from their swim meets, but they never really interacted. she wasn’t really sure if she should be offended at the question, but decided not to dwell on it. “yeah, actually. we’re both on the swim team? i’ve seen you around, but i don’t think we’ve ever talked at all. name’s zoe.” the girl pressed her lips together to form a smile, taking a breath before continuing. “are you working here this season? if you are, you know if one of the managers is in? ‘gotta talk to them about my schedule this year and stuff.” 

“I’m sorry have you heard of Project Pegasus? I haven’t slept in three days because of the research I’ve done on this experiment. It’s bananas!” Evelyn rambled, obviously sleep deprived. There were a lot of other reasons she wasn’t sleeping but at least this was one she could openly talk about. “People have legit been time traveling and the government has been hiding it from us. Or that’s what the conspiracy says.”

“no. . . though i’m assuming it has nothing to do with my family’s pegasus?” zoe joked, though, she was half curious. for all she knew, it could be. she wasn’t really great at keeping tabs on whatever it was her family was doing. too busy. she girl was quick to note the hint of exhaustion in her friends tone, and her expression contorted to that of concern and, well, confusion. before evelyn could even continue, the barista called their names out. “hold up-- before you continue. . . should you even be having coffee? did you even get coffee? or. . . whatever the hell it is you got? sugar, anything. . . ?” the brunette snagged her friends drink before she could, waiting for her answer. “so. repeat that. time traveling? whats. . . the logic behind all this? any evidence?”

“I…I know.” It was hard to say out loud, despite the fact that Nate knew the children of Auradon’s most loved weren’t any more copies of their parents than he was of Hades. Yet, after the riots and watching people react to them in a manner that he could only categorize as disgusted, it was difficult to really think anyone wanted them back on campus. “I know that everyone here supports us being here and I appreciate it – honestly. It means a lot to see that there are some here who aren’t just hoping that we get stuck back on the Isle forever. But yeah, being back on the Isle was pretty bad, but I survived. I mean, I didn’t have to see my dad and that was a pretty big perk. I had someone there who didn’t mind me crashing with him. That made things a little better overall, but yeah. If I had been able to choose where I spent the break, I would have sooner just chosen to stay on campus. Look, I actually wanted to talk to you about some stuff. We’re family, obviously, but I don’t really know much about the rest of…our family I guess. I know what my father’s told me and considering who I’ve learned he really is, I don’t want to just take his word for things anymore.”

zoe wasn’t expecting such a reaction, and it probably showed on her features. her demeanor shifted to something similar to surprise, a warm smile spreading across her lips. though, that warm smile simmered just a few moments later when nate when on to talk about his time on the isle. she thought how it was a shame-- some of the vk’s that came to auradon were miles away from whatever vendetta their parents probably had planned. so many vk’s just got a shitty hand of cards. nate included. “yeah. . i guess it’d be naive to pretend they didn’t exist, but. . you guys have a pretty great team around you. your friend-- ela? i was with her at this peaceful protest over break. the definition of someone being in your corner.” she was sure she was telling him information he already knew, but, offered it up anyways. “i take it hades is just as bad as everyone says?” it was a dumb question, probably, but it was quickly emitted without any thought. her lips pressed together almost immediately, shaking her head. “actually-- scratch that. you don’t have to. . . talk about him. probably a real bummer of a topic for a welcome back party.  but hey, for you, i’m an open book. any questions you have, don’t hesitate. my dad, mom. . . zeus, olympus. i’m sure i’ve probably gotten some stories that aren’t the full truth either, but with both of ours we could probably figure out what’s real.” her shoulders shrugged as she finished speaking, as if to really drive home how chill she’d be about talking about it all. “y’know, i really appreciate you not writing me off as like. a little shit cousin. it’d probably be really easy to do that.”

“not necessarily but i appreciate the thought. really, zoe. thank you.” she was thanking zoe because the girl had gotten her to smile for the first time that night and that was important. it was friends like her that would help her survive what heartbreak was no doubt about to come. evelyn’s head fell back as a laugh bubbled out of her. it really wasn’t a laughable situation but god did zoe know exactly how she felt right in that moment. “at this point… i don’t want to ruin what’s going on. i know thats stupid but it’s better knowing he isn’t with me out of guilt than strapping him to me for as long as i can, you know?” evelyn nearly teared up at zoes offer, “i don’t deserve you. i would love to come with you. cupcakes are the way to heal a soul for sure.” 

“i don’t know really anything about relationships, but he should want to be at your side. and if he’s not. . . who he’s with shouldn’t be making your whole face look like you’ve seen a puppy get kicked.” this was exactly why she didn’t have interest in relationships. at least, not right now. there are better causes to invest her time and emotions in than some boy that didn’t know a girls worth. “while i normally would be quick to honor such a complement, that’s bullshit. you deserve good things, okay? good friends. good people. right now, good cupcakes.” she was confident in her words, and moreso her actions as she stood, grabbing evelyn’s hand and dragging her over to the desserts table. one cupcake for her, one for the the blonde. "bon apetit,” she joked, walking over to one of the high tables with no view of the dance floor. “so. how was your break? what’d you do? please don’t tell me you were holed up in the dance studio the whole time.”

Mia had been feeling a little off during that night’s festivities, and it only took her one conversation with someone from the Isle to determine why. She had always been judged for the actions of her parents, so why did she think that night would be any different? After all, as the person she’d just spoken to had made it very clear, people from the Isle wouldn’t have needed to be welcomed back if not for her father’s latest decree. The person’s harsh words were definitely getting to Mia by the time she found one of her friends inside, greeting her with a smile before asking the question that was most on her mind. “Do you think they feel welcomed back?” the girl asked, truly wanting Zoe’s opinion. “Or do you think most of them think this is ridiculous?” @zmegalos

mia’s presence beside her was quick and sudden, but not unwelcome. zoe was helping clear some of the abandoned glasses and didn’t quite pause her actions until she heard her friends question. passing off the glasses to a worker she turned, placing a hand on her friends arm. “did something happen?” there was concern in her voice, thinking maybe someone ripped someone else a new one over the event that was paved with good intentions. “i think it depends, honestly?” her lips pressed together, brows furrowing as she pondered the question further. “some who are more level-headed can probably see the good intentions. . . i just think maybe they would’ve perferred seeing actual action more. it’s not us they don’t feel welcome by, it’s. . . the higher ups. if they think its ridiculous though, it’s probably the pomp and circumstance of all this. i wouldn’t be surprised if some of the vk’s thought we enjoyed events like this.”

evelyn managed an actual laugh at this. her head rolled to the side and a hand pressed against her cheek to hide her embarrassed flush. “that easy to tell, huh?” the blonde sighed, “i’ve never been good at parties. and… it’s not like my boyfriend will dance with me. he doesn’t dance.” evelyn looked over to ranger and aurelie, “at least not with me.” she looked over at zoe and tried for a smile. “but it’s okay because i ate like 15 mini corn dogs.”

“if i told you no, and that i’m just a genius and that’s how i knew, would it make you feel better?” a sympathetic smile was thrown evelyn’s way, her eyes following hers back to the dance floor as she spoke about her boyfriend. hmph. “well, evelyn. it’s 2019, and if no ones told you yet, men ain’t shit.” the statement came out of her mouth in a matter-of-fact tone. zoe didn’t hate men, but gods, they could be so dumb. “if you want to dance with him, tell him. or find someone else who will dance with you. or an even better option-- i know you said you ate the corn dogs, but. . . . they just whipped out the red velvet cupcakes. and i’m going over there to get one and you’re more than welcome to come with. nothing cures sadness like red velvet. it has therapeutic properties. i’m sure it’s proven by science, somewhere.”

Nate didn’t think about family often. Usually that was because the only family he had ever held dear had been his sister and to some extent his stepmother. Yet coming to Auradon had changed that. There were now friends whom he considered family and then there was Zoe, his actual family. At first he had been hesitant, distant with her even, sure that she had known what was going on with Hades and just hadn’t cared. Now, however, Nate wanted something he had never expected to want. He wanted a real family. He wanted to know more about his cousin and the rest of his extended family that his father never really brought up. He wanted a relationship that was more than quick harsh greetings passing each other in the halls. Seeing his cousin, Nate rushed forward to take the opportunity to talk to her before someone else stole her attention away.

“Hey. Um, so, how was break? Did you go back home or…to Olympus?” @zmegalos

zoe was quick to flash a smile her cousins way-- a real and true one. “hey, nate.” she’d never say it out loud, mostly because she didn’t really take nate for the mushy type, but the small gesture of being comfortable enough to approach her to have a conversation meant something to her. family was family, and she saw no reason to garner any ill-will towards him, even if some would argue otherwise. “it was good! i mean-- i didn’t go to either. i had a lot to do here and figured my time would be better spent getting ahead of the game with a few things. plus not much. . . exciting goes on home anyways. . . i can only hear the same three stories from my grandfather so many times before i absolutely lose it, so. .  i’d ask the same, but. . . i’d assume it was probably less than stellar?” her lips curled into a frown for just a moment at the thought, taking a breath. from what her dad told her, hades was a menace. cruel. callous. one would expect nate would be the same, and maybe he used to be, but that wasn’t the person in front of her presently. “listen-- i’m sorry you guys got sent back to the isle. that was. . . shitty. i’m sure you probably already know it. . . but pretty much everyone doesn’t agree with what happened at all.”

“I know I should be used to wearing these things but my feet need a break.” Riley spoke out into the void as she collapsed on a chair at an open table, wishing she could take her shoes off and let her arches rest. But she was not going to be that girl. Turning to see Zoe seated nearby, Riley let out another huff as she took a weight off. “Tell me why it’s not appropriate for girls to wear flat’s to this kind of thing? I should’ve worn a long dress, at least then if I wore flats no one would be able to tell.” She was tall enough that even if she was in flats most people would assume she was in heels. “How are you doing tonight?”

@zmegalos

“flats show weakness-- beauty is pain. at least, that’s what one of the little blurbs on the cosmo magazine i saw at the market the other day said,” zoe vented, agreeing with riley’s distaste towards heels. she, herself, was never graceful in them, so it was never a fun time when a formal event rolled around. “meanwhile guys just get to wear regular ‘ol shoes. what a sacrifice on their end. i’m fine, though. what about you? having fun?” her brows raised while she questioned, though she was sure the answer would be the same as many others-- ‘sure, as fun as one could have’ or a variant of that. “is it bad that i’m waiting for something exciting to happen? i feel like something always hits the fan at these sorts of things...”

“i don’t know how you guys deal with this stuff. you guys being like. princes and princesses, and all that. all the formalities. do you actually like galas, and balls, and stuff like that? ‘cause right now i think i’m only really liking the free champagne.” @andrew-darling

Evelyn watched Aurelie and Ranger dancing. He had said all was well with them but she could tell something had changed. She had wished it wouldn’t, that he would still want his ex, but here they were. A dance. Something Evelyn had never gotten him to do. The girl sat in a chair watching them, unsure how to proceed. When someone sat next to her, she glanced over at them. “Fun party huh?” All the girl was dying to do was get out of the room. Go dance on her own somewhere.

“try not to act too excited, charming,” zoe teased, however her features showed sympathy as she observed evelyn’s less than cheery exterior, her eyes following hers to a couple on the dance floor. “you really want to remember going to this gala and have this,” she paused, her hand referencing the situation. “as a takeaway?”